Manila Reasserts Sovereignty Amid Red Sea Crisis and WPS Anniversary

On July 12, the Philippine government marked the 9th anniversary of its landmark 2016 Arbitral Tribunal victory over China with a bold reaffirmation of its maritime claims in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The Department of Foreign Affairs declared the ruling “a cornerstone of Philippine maritime policy,” emphasizing its role in defending national sovereignty and…

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Duterte Slams Marcos Foreign Policy in Fiery Rebuke

Speaking from Melbourne, Australia, Vice President Sara Duterte issued a scathing critique of the Marcos administration’s foreign policy, warning that the Philippines is “not ready for war” and lacks a coherent strategic direction. Her remarks came amid rising tensions in the Middle East and growing concerns over the Philippines’ alignment with U.S. military interests. Duterte’s…

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Philippine Senate Pushes Audit of All Confidential Funds

The Philippine Senate moved on June 23 to formalize a resolution calling for a full audit of all government offices that received confidential and intelligence funds between 2020 and 2024. The move comes amid the political firestorm surrounding Vice President Sara Duterte, but senators emphasized the need for universal transparency, not selective targeting. Senators aligned…

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Duterte Probe Deepens As Institutions Duel Over Credibility

The political temperature in the Philippines continued to rise as Vice President Sara Duterte faced intensifying scrutiny over alleged misuse of confidential government funds. The twist on June 22 came when the Office of the Ombudsman and the House of Representatives issued conflicting statements about who initiated the complaint. This procedural tug-of-war has sparked widespread…

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US and Philippine Forces Strengthen Military Ties

Military cooperation between the Philippines and the United States continues to deepen as both countries conduct joint exercises under the Salaknib Phase 2 program. The training, held in Cagayan Valley, focuses on mobility operations, airborne drills, and territorial defense strategies—key components in ensuring readiness amid rising geopolitical tensions. The growing partnership reflects Washington’s strategic commitment…

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South China Sea Tensions Rise as Philippines Challenges Beijing

The Philippine government has once again called out China over its aggressive actions in the South China Sea, urging Beijing to back its diplomatic statements with genuine efforts at de-escalation. The latest incident involved a Philippine resupply mission to an outpost in the disputed waters that was obstructed by Chinese maritime forces. The confrontation led…

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Comelec’s Decision Sparks Political Firestorm in the Philippines

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Philippines has ruled to cancel the registration of the Duterte Youth party-list, a group known for its staunch defense of conservative policies and nationalistic ideals. The decision, citing procedural issues, has triggered widespread reactions from political figures and supporters. The Duterte Youth, aligned with former President Rodrigo Duterte’s…

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