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They can also rile up Trump's own party, which then incorporates the former president's vendettas and impulses into its own agenda. Though most in his party have stayed quiet, Trump's comments about Milley horrified some Republicans. On the debate stage last week, Trump’s rivals for the GOP nomination didn't address the former president's more incendiary rhetoric. Democrats, including Biden, have warned that Trump and supporters in his Make America Great Again movement are a threat to American democracy. At last week's California Republican Party convention in a hotel ballroom in Anaheim, Trump’s rhetoric reached yet another level.

Persons: Donald Trump, Joe Biden, lowlifes, ”, Trump, Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong, Ruth Ben, ” Ben, Ghiat, Rodrigo Duterte, Trump's, Jack Smith, Mark Milley, Milley, “, ” Milley, Mike Pence, John Kelly, Kelly, ” Trump, Steven Cheung, Biden, ” Alex Conant, Ron DeSantis, Conant, Paul Pelosi, Nancy Pelosi, San Francisco — how’s, Jonathan J, Cooper, Michael R Organizations: Republican, Democratic, White, NBC, New, North, New York University, Trump, U.S, Capitol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Republicans, GOP, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington's Georgetown University, The Associated Press, White House, CNN, Marine Corps, Florida Gov, California Republican Party, Associated Press Locations: United States, New York, Philippines, Mexico, U.S, China, Florida, ”, California, Anaheim, San Francisco, Anaheim , California

☆ Philippines' Marcos suffers 'significant' drop in approval rating
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his speech during a joint press statement with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Malacanang Presidential Palace in Manila, Philippines, July 31, 2023. Aaron Favila/POOL via REUTERS./File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsMANILA, Oct 2 (Reuters) - President Ferdinand Marcos has suffered a "significant" drop in his approval rating as soaring consumer prices in the Philippines undermines his support, a polling organisation said on Monday. "Continuing increase in prices of basic commodities and services and unfulfilled promise of reducing these," likely caused the "significant" drop in the approval ratings, said Ronald Holmes, president of Pulse Asia. Marcos' presidential communications office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, also suffered a decline in approval ratings, dropping 11 points to 73%.

Persons: Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Ursula von der Leyen, Aaron Favila, Ferdinand Marcos, Marcos, Ronald Holmes, Sara Duterte, Rodrigo Duterte, Mikhail Flores, Robert Birsel Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Asia Survey, Pulse Asia, Thomson Locations: Manila, Philippines, Rights MANILA, Philippine, Hawaii

☆ Philippines' Marcos Suffers 'Significant' Drop in Approval Rating
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-02 | by ( Oct. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

MANILA (Reuters) - President Ferdinand Marcos has suffered a "significant" drop in his approval rating as soaring consumer prices in the Philippines undermines his support, a polling organisation said on Monday. "Continuing increase in prices of basic commodities and services and unfulfilled promise of reducing these," likely caused the "significant" drop in the approval ratings, said Ronald Holmes, president of Pulse Asia. Marcos' presidential communications office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Last month, Marcos imposed price ceilings for rice. Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, also suffered a decline in approval ratings, dropping 11 points to 73%.

Persons: Ferdinand Marcos, Marcos, Ronald Holmes, Sara Duterte, Rodrigo Duterte, Mikhail Flores, Robert Birsel Organizations: Asia Survey, Pulse Asia Locations: MANILA, Philippines, Philippine, Hawaii

China claims “indisputable sovereignty” over almost all 1.3 million square miles of the South China Sea, and most of the islands and sandbars within it, including many features that are hundreds of miles from mainland China. If they (China) close off the South China Sea, perhaps the next target may be the Straits of Malacca and then the Indian Ocean,” Teodoro said. But since taking office last year, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr has taken a stronger stance over the South China Sea than his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte. Marcos has also strengthened US relations that had frayed under Duterte, with the two allies touting increased cooperation and joint patrols in the South China Sea in the future. As part of the Marcos administration’s commitment to boost the Philippines defense and monitoring capabilities in the South China Sea, Teodoro said further “air and naval assets” have been ordered.

Persons: ”, of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr, “ It’s, it’s, Teodoro, “, ” Teodoro, It’s, Ferdinand “ Bongbong ” Marcos Jr, Rodrigo Duterte, Marcos, Defense Lindsey Ford, ” Ford, Aaron Favila, China “, Xi Jinping Organizations: Philippines CNN, CNN, of National Defense, Department of National Defense, Defense, AP Locations: Manila, Philippines, China, Philippine, South China, South, United States, Republic of, Beijing, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Taiwan, The Hague, Ukraine, Russia, Malacca, China . Washington, Second, The Philippines

☆ South China Sea tensions are flaring between the Philippines and China. Here's why it matters for the world
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Over the past two decades, China has occupied a number of obscure reefs and atolls far from its shoreline across the South China Sea, building up military installations, including runways and ports. Video Ad Feedback Why it matters who owns the seas (April 2021) 03:48 - Source: CNNWhy does the South China Sea matter? The South China Sea is home to hundreds of largely uninhabited islands and coral atolls and diverse wildlife at risk from climate change and marine pollution. The US is not a claimant to the South China Sea, but says the waters are crucial to its national interest of guaranteeing freedom of the seas worldwide. Marcos has strengthened US relations that had frayed under his predecessor, with the two allies touting potential future joint patrols in the South China Sea.

Persons: It’s, China’s, Defense Lindsey Ford, ”, Stringer, Ferdinand “ Bongbong ” Marcos Jr, Jay Batongbacal, “, Marcos Jr, Rodrigo Duterte, Marcos, Gregory Poling Organizations: Hong Kong CNN —, Navy, CNN, US Energy Information Agency, Communist Party, United, US Navy, Defense, Asia, Washington -, Strategic, International Studies, Ford, Spratly Islands, University of the, Philippine Coast Guard, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Transparency, Philippines Mutual Defense Locations: Hong Kong, South China, China, Beijing, Philippines, United States, South, The Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Taiwan, The Hague, Manila, Scarborough, Spratly, People’s Republic of China, Washington, Philippine, University of the Philippines, Asia

☆ What is Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea and why are China and the Philippines disputing it?
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( Martin Petty | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The Philippines coastguard said the mission, approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, showed its determination to maintain a presence at the shoal. Located in the middle of the South China Sea and near shipping lanes carrying an estimated $3.4 trillion of annual commerce, its position is strategic for Beijing. A landmark 2016 ruling on the South China Sea by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which went largely in favour of the Philippines, was not tasked with establishing sovereignty. China has not acknowledged the presence of militia in the South China Sea. The Pentagon stated mutual defence commitments would be invoked over an attack "anywhere in the South China Sea" and that coastguard vessels are among those protected.

Persons: Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Rodrigo Duterte, Thomas, Marcos, Martin Petty, Sharon Singleton Organizations: SCARBOROUGH, coastguard, China's coastguard, Philippines coastguard, Guard, Philippine Coast Guard, REUTERS, WHO, China's, Mutual, Treaty, Pentagon, Thomson Locations: Philippines, South China, Beijing, Manila, China, Scarborough, Philippine, British, South, Spratly, China's, United States, Washington

☆ Philippines Removes Chinese Barrier at Disputed Shoal in 'Special Operation'
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-25 | by ( Sept. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +4 min

By Enrico Dela CruzMANILA (Reuters) -The Philippines said on Monday it executed a "special operation" to remove a floating barrier installed by China at a prime fishing patch in the South China Sea, a move that could stoke tension after a years-long detente in Asia's most disputed waters. Hours after the national security adviser had vowed to take action, the Philippine coastguard said it had removed the floating cordon, at the behest of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and his special task force on the South China Sea. Japan's government urged calm and said the South China Sea was central to regional stability. "Our country strongly opposes any conduct that heightens tension in the South China Sea," Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said at a regular press conference. China on Monday said the shoal, which it calls Huangyan Island, was "China's inherent territory", over which it had indisputable sovereignty.

Persons: Enrico Dela Cruz, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Rodrigo Duterte, Hirokazu Matsuno, Huangyan, Wang Wenbin, Enrico dela Cruz, Liz Lee, Kiyoshi Takenaka, Kanupriya Kapoor, Martin Petty, Alex Richardson Organizations: stoke, coastguard, Philippine coastguard, Philippine, China, South China, Chinese coastguard Locations: Philippines, China, South China, Asia's, Scarborough, Philippine, Manila, Washington, Beijing, British, South, Hague, Tokyo

☆ Philippines condemns Chinese 'floating barrier' in South China Sea
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Chinese Coast Guard boats close to the floating barrier are pictured on September 20, 2023, near the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, in this handout image released by the Philippine Coast Guard on September 24, 2023. Philippine Coast Guard/Handout via REUTERS Acquire Licensing RightsMANILA, Sept 24 (Reuters) - The Philippines on Sunday accused China's coast guard of installing a "floating barrier" in a disputed area of the South China Sea, saying it prevented Filipinos from entering and fishing in the area. The barrier blocking fishermen from the shoal was depriving them of their fishing and livelihood activities", he said. China claims 90% of the South China Sea, overlapping with the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines. Three Chinese coast guard rigid-hull inflatable boats and a Chinese maritime militia service boat installed the barrier when the Philippine vessel arrived, he said.

Persons: China's, Jay Tarriela, Tarriela, Rodrigo Duterte, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Enrico Dela Cruz, William Mallard Organizations: Guard, Philippine Coast Guard, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, of Fisheries, Resources, Thomson Locations: Scarborough, South China, Rights MANILA, Philippines, Manila, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Beijing, Philippine, Bajo, Masinloc

☆ South China Sea: Philippines accuses Chinese maritime militia of destroying coral reefs near Palawan
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

Philippine Coast Guard/FacebookTarriela said between August 9 and September 11, the coast guard monitored 33 Chinese vessels within the vicinity of Rozul Reef and around 15 Chinese ships near Escoda Shoal. The UP Marine Science Institute found vibrant corals in the Rozul (Iroquios) Reef in the South China Sea in May 2021. At least two foreign ambassadors in Manila have expressed alarm over reports of destruction of marine resources in the South China Sea. The grounded Philippine navy ship Sierra Madre, which Manila uses to stake its territorial claims at Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea, as pictured on April 23, 2023. Under current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the country’s National Security Team began to publicize its findings about what was actually happening in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea more regularly, Powell said.

Persons: Jay Tarriela, ” Tarriela, Facebook Tarriela, Tarriela, Mao Ning, “, ”, Gerry Arances, Arances, Ray Powell, SeaLight, Powell, Philippines MaryKay Carlson, Kazuhiko Koshikawa, Rodrigo Duterte, Shoal, Ted Aljibe, Thomas Shoal, Ferdinand Marcos Jr Organizations: CNN, Philippine Coast Guard, Chinese Maritime Militia, Facebook, Philippine, Spratly Islands, Philippine coastguard, University of, Philippines Marine Science Institute, country’s National Security Council, Scientific, UP Marine Science Institute, Marine Science, CNN Philippines, Center for Energy, coastguard, National Security, Stanford University, The, United, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, Asia, Transparency Initiative, BRP, BRP Sierra Madre, National Security Team, West Philippine, South China Locations: South, Philippines, China, Sabina, South China, Palawan, Beijing, Philippine, Rozul, Escoda Shoal, ” Beijing, China’s, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan, The Hague, West Philippine, United States, Indonesia, Vietnam, The Philippines, Manila, Sierra, Spratly, AFP, BRP Sierra, Sierra Madre, West

☆ Nobel laureate Maria Ressa acquitted in Philippine tax case
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Philippine journalist and Nobel laureate Maria Ressa reacts outside the Pasig Regional Trial Court following her acquittal in a tax evasion case in Pasig, Metro Manila on Sept. 12, 2023. Philippines Nobel laureate Maria Ressa and her news site Rappler were acquitted of tax fraud by a trial court on Tuesday, in another legal victory for the embattled journalist. After the verdict was announced, Ressa told reporters she felt "good" about the court's decision. Ressa's acquittal was expected after she was cleared of similar tax charges nine months ago. Ressa, 59, is currently on bail and was convicted in 2020 for cyber libel in one of several cases against the website filed by government agencies.

Persons: Maria Ressa, Rappler, Ressa, Rodrigo Duterte Locations: Philippine, Pasig, Metro Manila, Philippines, Russian

☆ Nobel laureate Ressa acquitted in Philippine tax case
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( Mikhail Flores | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/4] Philippines Nobel laureate Maria Ressa faces the media after she and her news site Rappler were acquitted of tax fraud by a trial court in Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines, September 12, 2023. After the verdict was announced, Ressa told reporters Her acquittal sends a "good signal" to the business community, as her tax charges "have a lot to do with the rule of law". "The acquittal now strengthens our resolve to continue with the justice system, to submit ourselves to the court despite the political harassment, despite the attack on press freedom," Ressa said. Ressa's acquittal was expected after she was cleared of similar tax charges nine months ago. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who has been in office for 14 months, has said he would not interfere in the court cases against Rappler.

Persons: Maria Ressa, Rappler, Eloisa Lopez, Rodrigo Duterte, Ressa, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Francis Lim, Mikhail Flores, Martin Petty, Kanupriya Kapoor Organizations: REUTERS, Rappler, World Press, Thomson Locations: Philippines, Pasig City, Metro Manila, MANILA, Russian

☆ Maria Ressa: Philippine Nobel laureate acquitted of last tax evasion charge
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-11 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Hong Kong CNN —Philippine Nobel Peace laureate Maria Ressa was acquitted of tax evasion Tuesday, according to her news site Rappler, in the latest legal victory for the veteran journalist. Ressa and Rappler are now cleared of all five tax-related charges filed during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, according to CNN affiliate CNN Philippines. “This is really a win not just for Maria … but a win for the Philippines,” Ressa’s lawyer Francis Lim told supporters outside Regional Trial Court in Pasig city. The ruling comes eight months after Ressa was cleared of four earlier counts of tax violations filed in 2018 by Duterte’s government. She won the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize, along with Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov, for her efforts to safeguard freedom of expression in the Philippines.

Persons: Maria Ressa, Ressa, Rodrigo Duterte, Maria …, ”, Francis Lim, Dmitry Muratov Organizations: Hong Kong CNN —, CNN, CNN Philippines Locations: Hong Kong, Hong Kong CNN — Philippine, Philippines, Pasig city, “, Russian

The Chinese military regularly sends ships and aircraft through the channel, Taiwan's defence ministry has said. The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the proposed port in Basco. Cayco confirmed the visit, saying they came "one time to assess" the proposed alternative port. Marcos has said the bases under the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) could prove useful if China attacked Taiwan. Jay Batongbacal, maritime affairs expert at the University of the Philippines, said the proposed port "would certainly be needed for the island’s defence in a worst case scenario."

Persons: Marvin Licudine, Andres Centino, Heather Variava, Noel Beleran, Eric Austin, Marilou Cayco, Batanes, Cayco, Kanishka, MARCOS, Rodrigo Duterte, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Marcos, Jay Batongbacal, Poppy McPherson, Karen Lema, Raju Gopalakrishnan Organizations: Philippine Military, Embassy, Staff, Education, U.S, Reuters, China, Washington, U.S . Army, ., Enhanced, Security, University of the, Thomson Locations: Philippines, Philippine, U.S, MANILA, Taiwan . U.S, Taiwan, China, Washington, Pacific, Manila, Basco, Asia, Beijing, Batanes, South China, University of the Philippines, Luzon

☆ International Criminal Court rejects Philippine attempt to block drugs war killings probe
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-18 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The decision comes after the ICC said in January it would revive its investigation into possible “crimes against humanity” during Duterte’s tenure. More than 6,000 people have been killed in anti-drug operations since Duterte launched his controversial drug war soon after taking office in 2016, according to police data. Duterte’s administration and its successor under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. have pushed back against the ICC’s probe into drug war killings in the country, denouncing the investigations as unjust. The Philippines was formerly a signatory to the ICC but Duterte canceled the country’s membership after the court began probing his drug war. Remulla accused the ICC of having a “political agenda” to resume the investigation, and is an interference to the freedom and sovereignty of the country.

Persons: Rodrigo Duterte’s, Marc Perrin de Brichambaut, ”, Duterte, Kristina Conti, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, pullout, Marcos Jr, Jesus Crispin Remulla, Remulla, ” Bryony Lau, “, Marcos Organizations: CNN, Criminal Court, ICC, Hague, Twitter, Duterte, Human Rights Locations: Philippine, Philippines, Manila, Asia

☆ ICC ruling opens way to investigation on killings in Philippines
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

In a ruling on July 18, the ICC appeals judges rejected an attempt by the Philippines to block an investigation into the bloody anti-narcotics campaign of former President Rodrigo Duterte. A majority of judges rejected all four points of Manila's appeal, including that the ICC has no jurisdiction in the Philippines and that authorities there were conducting their own investigation. "The ICC appeals judges' ruling marks the next step toward justice for victims of 'drug war' killings and their families," Bryony Lau, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch (HRW), said in a statement. The decision left some of the families of drug war victims in tears after they watched the court proceeding online. But appeals judges ruled prosecutors still had jurisdiction over the alleged crimes because they occurred when the Philippines was still an ICC member.

Persons: Rodrigo Duterte, Harry Roque, Roque, Marc Perrin de Brichambaut, Bryony Lau, Kristina Conti, HRW's Lau, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Anthony Deutsch, Benoit Van Overstraeten, Neil Jerome Morales, Eloisa Lopez, Charlotte Van Campenhout, Emma Rumney, Alex Richardson Organizations: Criminal Court, ICC, Philippine, Human Rights Watch, Duterte, Police, Thomson Locations: AMSTERDAM, MANILA, Philippines, Manila, Asia, Amsterdam

☆ Xi tells ex-Philippine president Duterte to promote ties with China
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BEIJING, July 17 (Reuters) - China's President Xi Jinping told former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to continue to promote cooperation between the two countries, after bilateral relations cooled with Duterte's successor seeking closer ties with Washington. Ferdinand Marcos Jr was elected as president for a six-year term in 2022, taking over from Duterte who had adopted a more pro-China stance. Under Marcos, relations between China and the Philippines have grown tense, with Manila pivoting back to its traditional ally, the United States. "During your tenure as president of the Philippines, you had resolutely made the strategic choice to improve relations with China in an attitude of being responsible to the people and to history," Xi told Duterte. Last month, Duterte told domestic media that the Philippines could become a "graveyard" if it gets caught up in U.S.-China tensions.

Persons: Xi Jinping, Rodrigo Duterte, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Xi, Marcos, Joe Biden, Duterte, Ryan Woo, Sharon Singleton Organizations: Washington, . Washington, Beijing, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, Philippine, Duterte, China, Philippines, Beijing, Manila, United States, U.S, ., Taiwan

☆ Philippine court denies bail for top Duterte critic in drug case
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

"Sad to inform you that the court denied Senator Leila's bail application," Filibon Tacardon, her legal counsel, told reporters. De Lima, 63, had requested bail in connection with a case in which she has been accused of conspiring to illegally trade narcotics in prison. She has denied all charges and had sought bail on account of her age and "several health issues". The court said her request was "untenable" and her culpability or innocence would be decided on the basis of evidence presented. A court in 2021 dismissed a drug case against her while another court in May acquitted her of a charge that she received drug money from prison inmates.

Persons: De Lima, De, Leila de Lima, Rodrigo Duterte's, Leila's, Duterte, Neil Jerome Morales, Enrico Dela Cruz, Kanupriya Kapoor, Robert Birsel Organizations: Thomson Locations: De Lima, MANILA

☆ Philippines, Japan, U.S. hold first trilateral coast guard manoeuvres
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Moments later, its crew are marched away with their hands on their heads, concluding a simulation of a counter-terrorism operation in the South China Sea between the coast guards of the Philippines, and allies the United States and Japan. Tuesday's manoeuvre is part of an inaugural trilateral coast guard exercise between the three countries, coming at a time of growing unease over China's maritime conduct in the region. The drill was a mock interception of a vessel carrying weapons of mass destruction, where Philippines coast guard personnel encounter armed resistance while boarding the vessel and are tasked with bringing the situation under control. "All the exercises we do, we help one another to prepare for anything that may possibly happen in the future," said John Ybanez, a spokesperson for the Philippine coast guard. The exercises in waters off Bataan province involve more than 500 coast guard personnel and also include search and rescue and counter-piracy scenarios.

Persons: BRP Melchora Aquino, John Ybanez, China's militarisation, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Rodrigo Duterte, Adrian Portugal, Martin Petty, Mark Potter Organizations: Philippine Coast Guard, BRP, Thomson Locations: Philippines, Japan, U.S, Bataan, BATAAN, Philippine, South China, United States, China

☆ Philippines, U.S., Japan to hold first-ever joint coast guard exercise
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-29 | by ( Karen Lema | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MANILA, May 29 (Reuters) - The coast guard of the United States, Japan and the Philippines will hold trilateral maritime exercise in the South China Sea this week, the first such manoeuvres between them as a time of growing concern about China's moves in the region. The June 1 to 7 exercise in waters off Bataan province was as initiative of the United States and Japan, while Australia would join as an observer, said Philippine coast guard spokesman Armand Balilo said on Monday. Four Philippine vessels and one each from the United States and Japan will participate in exercises designed to improve search and rescue collaboration and law enforcement, Balilo said. "This is a usual routine activity among coast guard agencies," Balilo told a press conference. China maintains the actions of its coast guard are legal and in its waters.

☆ Philippine court acquits top critic of ex-president Duterte's 'war on drugs'
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-12 | by ( Adrian Portugal | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

De Lima has spent the past six years in detention, five of which as senator, and has one more case pending. "Glorious day, glorious day, beginning of my vindication," she added. Duterte has accepted the court judgement, Salvador Panelo, his legal counsel during his administration, said in a statement on Saturday. "Freeing her now is critical so she can return to her family, leaving the injustice of years behind bars in pre-trial detention caused by Duterte's vengeful cruelty," he said. "The charges against Leila de Lima are bogus and the result of the peaceful exercise of her right to freedom of expression.

☆ Joint Philippines-U.S. patrols in South China Sea may begin by third quarter - envoy
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MANILA, May 8 (Reuters) - Joint patrols between the Philippines and the United States in the South China Sea may begin later this year, a top diplomat said on Monday, just days after Washington clarified its commitment to defend Manila from an attack at sea. Discussions were continuing on the joint maritime patrols, which were announced in February, said Philippine ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel Romualdez. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced in February he and his Philippine counterpart, Carlito Galvez, have agreed to restart joint maritime patrols in the South China Sea, which former President Rodrigo Duterte, who sought warmer ties with China, had suspended after he took office in 2016. But Philippine Defense Secretary Galvez told reporters on Monday there were no formal discussions on the joint patrols with the United States and Australia. China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $3 trillion of world trade is shipped every year.

WASHINGTON, May 4 (Reuters) - Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr dismissed criticism during an interview on Thursday that his presidential campaign played down the corruption and extravagance the Marcos family was known for during his father's rule. Marcos told Reuters at the end of a four-day visit to Washington that his country's citizens could not continue to fight decades-old social battles. During his campaign, critics said Marcos' presidential bid tried to whitewash the corruption and authoritarianism associated with his father's 20-year rule. The Marcos family denies wrongdoing. Marcos' Washington visit has been the first by a Philippine president in more than 10 years and included a summit on Monday with U.S. President Joe Biden.

WASHINGTON, May 4 (Reuters) - Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Thursday that granting U.S. access to Philippine military bases was a defensive step that would be "useful" if China attacked Taiwan. Marcos told Reuters the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) reached with the United States in 2014 was originally conceived to improve disaster responses. Marcos said Washington "has not proposed any kind of action for the Philippines in terms of taking part in the defense of Taiwan." Biden said on Monday that the U.S. commitment to the defense of its ally was "ironclad," including in the South China Sea, and that the guidelines issued on Wednesday laid out treaty commitments if either side were attacked in the South China Sea. He said the patrols would help preserve freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, where China has a growing military presence.

WASHINGTON, May 4 (Reuters) - Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Thursday his agreement this year to grant the United States access to more military bases in his country was not intended for use for "offensive action" against any country. Speaking to a U.S. think-tank in Washington, Marcos said he had made that point to Chinese officials during recent talks. He also said the U.S. had not asked the Philippines to provide troops in case of war between China and the U.S. over Taiwan. Marcos told the Center for Strategic and International Studies that the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) that allows access to bases in the Philippines was conceived to deal with the effects of climate change. Manila's ties with Washington have deepened under Marcos and he granted the U.S. military access to four more bases in February, something China said was "stoking the fire" of regional tension.

☆ US stands with Philippines against Chinese 'intimidation' in S. China Sea - official
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Karen Lema | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

May 3 (Reuters) - The United States stands with treaty ally the Philippines in the face of harassment by China's coast guard in the South China Sea and remains deeply concerned about "intimidation" by Beijing, a senior U.S. official said on Tuesday. The Philippines on Friday accused China's coast guard of "dangerous manoeuvres" and "aggressive tactics" in the South China Sea, in another maritime confrontation between the two countries. China said the Philippines vessels made "deliberate provocative moves". Kritenbrink also said the United States and its partners recognised the importance of maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait. Under Rodrigo Duterte, Marcos' anti-U.S. predecessor, relations soured as he sought to court China while openly rebuking Washington.

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