Cracks start to emerge in Philippines’ South China Sea stance
Analysts warn that Manila must demonstrate unity between its defence and political leadership in order to effectively counter Beijing’s assertiveness in the South China Sea.
Lucas Bersamin in asian news
Filipinos doubt US reliability as Marcos deescalates
The near-fatal showdown between Chinese and Philippine maritime forces in the South China Sea last week raised fears of unwanted escalation in the disputed waters.
Philippines won’t invoke mutual defense treaty with US after Chinese confrontation at disputed shoal
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippines said Friday it has no plan to invoke its mutual defense treaty with the United States after the Chinese coast guard reportedly rammed, boarded and used machetes and axes to damage two Philippine navy boats in a chaotic faceoff that injured Filipino navy personnel at a disputed shoal in the South China Sea.
Philippines’ Marcos Jnr faces drug use claims again by Duterte camp – is there ‘a plot’ to oust him?
The latest in the political battle between the country’s most powerful families involved a former agent of the country’s anti-narcotics agency going on record to say that there was evidence the current president was a drug abuser, although the case was never pursued.
Are the Philippines’ Marcos and Duterte families set to ‘break up’ over South China Sea and other rows?
His decision was relayed by Presidential Communications Office Chief Secretary Cheloy Garafil to reporters via text message, in which Duterte-Carpio was listed as “chair” caretaker and “assisted” by presidential Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III.