Philippines

In a significant development, government documents released on Wednesday reveal that a prosecutor in Metro Manila has subpoenaed former Philippine President Duterte to address allegations of grave threats made against an opposition lawmaker. The charge of grave threat carries a potential jail sentence of up to six months, with additional complications under local cybercrime laws potentially resulting in a six-year …

Leila de Lima, a vocal opponent of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s contentious “war on drugs,” reached a crucial milestone on Monday when a judge granted her release, thereby ending her almost seven-year detention. This move comes amid ongoing court disputes and worldwide scrutiny of the Duterte administration’s conduct of its anti-drug campaign. De Lima, 64, faced a barrage of …

In an exciting leap forward, the 2024 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Rankings in Asia welcomed four Philippine universities into its prestigious fold, signaling a remarkable stride in the nation’s higher education panorama. The University of San Carlos (USC) in Cebu, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Far Eastern University (FEU) Manila, and Mindanao State University (MSU) made their inaugural appearances, adding …

Amid increasing concerns over the presence of clandestine forces allegedly backed by China in the Philippines, the nation has intensified multi-agency efforts to address these suspicions.  Benjamin Acorda Jnr, the head of the Philippines’ national police, confirmed that some individuals have been detained in connection with ongoing investigations. While these recent developments have raised alarm among law enforcement authorities, the …

In a horrifying turn of events that unfolded on a live Facebook broadcast, a radio anchor known by his alias DJ Johnny Walker fell victim to a fatal shooting within the confines of his studio in the southern Philippines. The assailant craftily infiltrated the studio by posing as a radio listener, all while a stunned online audience bore witness to …

In a shocking turn of events, the Philippines has opted to step away from China’s sprawling Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), sending ripples through the global landscape. The repercussions of this unexpected exit are profound, casting doubt on the future of Chinese investments within the nation and amplifying geopolitical intricacies. Philippines Exits—Here’s Why The unforeseen move comes on the heels …

In a disheartening revelation, the Philippines finds itself once again entrenched in an unsettling pattern, as it secures its unwelcome position on the Global Impunity Index for the 16th consecutive year. This annual list, unveiled by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), unveils a distressing truth – the killers of journalists in the Philippines continue to evade justice. Landing in …

In a poignant display of unity and compassion, a diverse gathering of everyday people converged outside the Israeli embassy in Manila to voice their profound disappointment with the Philippine government’s decision to abstain from a pivotal United Nations resolution.  The resolution, calling for a humanitarian truce in Gaza, received an overwhelming global consensus. However, the Philippines’ abstention set it apart …

In the heart of the Philippines, where life is often intertwined with faith and family, a new bill is discreetly making its way through Congress. It’s not merely a piece of legislation; it’s an enigmatic catalyst for transformation, a hidden source of radiance, and a cryptic testament to a nation’s unrelenting determination to combat an enigmatic “national social puzzle” – …

In the ever-shifting tapestry of governance, the Philippines finds itself navigating a labyrinth of challenges in the elusive realm of the rule of law. The 2023 World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index unfurls a complex narrative, painting the country’s quest for justice in hues of change and continuity, raising both hopes and questions. Scribbling its name at the …