Philippine court acquits former justice secretary of drug charges after key witnesses said they lied
May 12, 2023 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — A former Philippine opposition senator and justice secretary was acquitted of drug charges Friday after key witnesses recanted and said they had lied about her involvement in narcotics trafficking.
EU: Freeing ex-senator can help Manila keep trade incentives
February 24, 2023 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippines’ chances of retaining special trading incentives, including slashed tariffs for a wide array of products, would be boosted if it decides to free a long-detained opposition leader and rejoin the International Criminal Court, a group of European parliamentarians said Friday.
Philippines: Unapproved probe into killings unacceptable
January 27, 2023 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippine justice secretary said Friday that any investigation violating the country's sovereignty by the International Criminal Court into the widespread killings of suspects during an anti-drug crackdown under former President Rodrigo Duterte would be “totally unacceptable.”
Nobel winner Maria Ressa, news outlet cleared of tax evasion
January 18, 2023 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa and her online news company were cleared Wednesday of tax evasion charges she said were among a slew of legal cases used by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to try to muzzle critical reporting.
Philippines to buy US aircraft after scrapping Russia deal
October 20, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday backed a decision by his predecessor to cancel a deal to buy 16 Russian military heavy-lift helicopters and said his administration has “secured an alternative supply from the United States.”
Rights group: 59 lawyers slain in 6 years in Philippines
October 15, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — At least 133 lawyers have been killed in the Philippines since the 1980s in work-related attacks, nearly half of them in the last six years during former President Rodrigo Duterte's turbulent term, a prominent group of lawyers said Saturday.
Motorcycle-riding gunmen kill Philippine radio commentator
October 5, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Motorcycle-riding gunmen killed a longtime radio commentator in metropolitan Manila in the latest attack on a member of the media in the Philippines, considered one of the world's most dangerous countries for journalists.
US, Philippine forces hold combat drills to brace for crisis
October 3, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — More than 2,500 U.S. and Philippine marines joined combat exercises Monday to respond to any sudden crisis in a region long on tenterhooks over South China Sea territorial disputes and increasing tensions over Taiwan.
The AP Interview: Marcos wants to ‘reintroduce’ Philippines
September 24, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Looking to “reintroduce the Philippines" to the world, new President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ambitious plans for his nation on the international stage and at home — if, that is, the twin specters of pandemic and climate change can be overcome or at least managed.
Philippines extending state of calamity for virus pandemic
September 12, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is extending a state of calamity declared by his predecessor more than two years ago to deal with continuing concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, an official said Monday.
US lawmakers meet detained Philippine opposition leader
August 19, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — U.S. Sen. Edward Markey, who was once banned from the Philippines by former President Rodrigo Duterte, on Friday met a long-detained Filipino opposition leader, whom he says was wrongfully imprisoned under Duterte and should be freed.
Philippines eyes US helicopters after scrapping Russian deal
August 15, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine officials are considering a U.S. offer to provide heavy-lift helicopters like its widely used Chinooks after Manila scrapped a deal to buy military choppers from Russia due to fears of Western sanctions, the Philippine ambassador to Washington said Monday.
Marcos Jr. says Philippines won’t rejoin international court
August 2, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Newly elected President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Monday the Philippines has no plan to rejoin the International Criminal Court, a decision that supports his predecessor’s stance but rejects the wishes of human rights activists.
AP Exclusive: Philippines scraps Russian chopper deal
July 27, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippine government has scrapped a deal to purchase 16 Russian military transport helicopters due to fears of possible U.S.
Philippines ends stay of foreign peacekeepers in the south
July 15, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Foreign peacekeepers credited with helping ease years of bloody fighting between government forces and Muslim rebels have left the southern Philippines after officials decided to end their presence, but talks are underway to allow their possible return, officials and the rebels said Friday.
Opposition: Philippines should rejoin international court
July 1, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Opposition leaders asked new Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday to restore the country's membership in the International Criminal Court to strengthen defenses against human rights abuses.
Drug killings leave agony, savage facet to Duterte’s legacy
June 30, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — When Emily Soriano recounts how her 15-year-old son was gunned down with four friends and two other residents while partying in a Philippine slum six years ago, she weeps in grief and anger like the massacre happened yesterday.
Ressa says Philippine courts to decide Rappler closure order
June 29, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa said her Rappler news website was operating “business as usual” Wednesday and would let Philippine courts decide on a government order to close the outlet critical of the outgoing Duterte administration and its deadly drug crackdown.
Maria Ressa: Philippines affirms news site shutdown order
June 29, 2022 GMTHONOLULU (AP) — Filipino journalist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa announced in a speech in Hawaii Tuesday that the Philippine government is affirming a previous order to shut down Rappler, the news website she co-founded, which has gained notoriety for its reporting of President Rodrigo Duterte's bloody crackdown on illegal drugs.
Philippine officials, governor clash over face mask policy
June 13, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine officials warned Monday that people can face arrest if they defy a presidential order to wear face masks in public to protect against the coronavirus even in a province where the governor has declared they are optional.
Sea feud with China flares as Marcos prepares for presidency
May 31, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippine government announced Tuesday a new diplomatic protest against China over disputes in the South China Sea, a long-thorny issue that has flared anew as the next Philippine president prepares to take office next month.
Marcos Jr proclaimed next Philippine president with huge win
May 26, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was proclaimed the next president of the Philippines by a joint session of Congress on Wednesday following a landslide election triumph 36 years after his dictator father was ousted in a pro-democracy uprising.
Duterte hits Putin: I kill criminals, not children, elders
May 24, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Outgoing Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte sharply criticized Russian leader Vladimir Putin for the killings of innocent civilians in Ukraine, saying while the two of them have been tagged as killers, “I kill criminals, I don’t kill children and the elderly.”
Marcos presidency complicates US efforts to counter China
May 11, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s apparent landslide victory in the Philippine presidential election is raising immediate concerns about a further erosion of democracy in Asia and could complicate American efforts to blunt growing Chinese influence and power in the Pacific.
New generation of Marcos, Duterte set to lead Philippines
May 11, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — The powerful alliance between the son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos and the daughter of outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte is set to usher in six years of governance in the Philippines that are concerning to human rights activists.
Dictator’s son far ahead in Philippine presidential vote
May 9, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — The son and namesake of ousted Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos took a commanding lead in an unofficial vote count in Monday’s presidential election in the deeply divided Asian democracy.
Marcos redux? Dictator’s son may win Philippine presidency
May 7, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte smile and chat of their love of burgers and mango shakes on the election trail in a carefree YouTube video before breaking into a short rap penned for their campaign for president and vice president of the Philippines by a popular singer.
South China Sea issues handled ‘properly,’ Xi tells Duterte
April 8, 2022 GMTBEIJING (AP) — Seeking to put a positive spin on a relationship that never quite produced the hoped-for benefits, Chinese leader Xi Jinping told outgoing Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday that the two nations have “properly” handled the sensitive issue of the disputed South China Sea.
Philippine leader’s top critic wages poll battle from jail
March 16, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — With her hand raised high to greet the crowd, Philippine Sen. Leila de Lima appeared on stage campaigning for re-election in upcoming polls. Only it wasn’t the opposition icon herself, but rather a life-size cutout image displayed by her allies on the campaign trail.
Philippines ready to back US if it gets embroiled in war
March 10, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippine president is ready to open the country’s “facilities” to American forces under a 1951 mutual defense treaty if Russia's war against Ukraine turns for the worse and embroils the United States in the fighting, Manila’s ambassador to Washington said Thursday.
Philippines to proceed with deal to buy Russian helicopters
March 9, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippine government will proceed with a deal to purchase 17 military transport helicopters from Russia that was signed and partially paid for before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the defense chief said Wednesday.
Philippines signs $624 million deal for 32 Black Hawks
February 22, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippines signed a 32 billion-peso ($624 million) deal Tuesday to purchase 32 Black Hawk helicopters in the largest military aircraft acquisition contract under outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte, defense officials said.
Philippine leader Duterte isolates after COVID exposure
February 3, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is self-isolating after being exposed last weekend to a member of his household staff who had COVID-19, but Duterte has twice tested negative following the exposure, his spokesman said Thursday.
Philippines lifts ban on foreign tourists as outbreak eases
January 28, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippines will lift a ban on the entry of foreign tourists and businesspeople next month after nearly two years, in a move to revive the battered tourism industry as the latest coronavirus outbreak started to ease, officials said Friday.
Philippine governor warns of looting without typhoon aid
December 21, 2021 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — The governor of a central Philippine province devastated last week by Typhoon Rai pleaded on radio Tuesday for the government to quickly send food and other aid, warning that without outside help, army troops and police would have to be deployed to prevent looting because of growing hunger.
Philippine leader quits from Senate race in latest flip-flop
December 14, 2021 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday withdrew his senatorial candidacy in next year’s elections in his latest change of mind over what he plans to do after his turbulent term ends, when critics say he would likely face an array of lawsuits for an anti-drugs crackdown that has left thousands of mostly petty suspects killed.
Filipino journalist shot dead while watching TV in store
December 9, 2021 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — A gunman shot and killed a journalist who was watching TV at a store in a central Philippine city, in a brazen attack in what has long been regarded as one of the world’s most dangerous countries for journalists.
Philippine supply boats reach forces at China-guarded shoal
November 23, 2021 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippine navy successfully transported food supplies to Filipino forces guarding a disputed shoal in the South China Sea on Tuesday, a week after China’s coast guard used water cannons to force the supply boats to turn back, sparking outrage and warnings from Manila, officials said.
Philippine church leader charged with child sex trafficking
November 19, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — The leader of a Philippines-based church was charged with having sex with women and underage girls who faced threats of abuse and “eternal damnation” unless they catered to the self-proclaimed “son of God,” federal prosecutors announced Thursday.
Philippine leader runs for Senate after vow to retire
November 16, 2021 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday filed his candidacy for a Senate seat in next year’s elections, walking back his vow to retire from politics when his term ends and prompting rights groups to say he is working to evade accountability for his deadly anti-drug campaign while in office.
Duterte’s daughter to run for VP with ex-dictator’s son
November 13, 2021 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter on Saturday registered her candidacy for vice president in next year’s elections and was chosen as the running mate of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the late dictator's son, in an alliance that has alarmed human rights activists.
UN investigator: Gender equality in free speech is far off
October 19, 2021 GMTUNITED NATIONS (AP) — An independent U.N. investigator warned Monday that despite the Nobel Peace Prize to courageous Filipino journalist Maria Ressa, “gender equality in freedom of expression remains a distant goal.”
Official says journalist’s Nobel Prize not a slap on Duterte
October 11, 2021 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration belatedly congratulated journalist Maria Ressa Monday for being one of two winners of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her fight for freedom of expression under grave risks.
Nobel Peace Prize awarded to journalists Ressa and Muratov
October 8, 2021 GMTMOSCOW (AP) — Journalists Maria Ressa of the Philippines and Dmitry Muratov of Russia won the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for their fight for freedom of expression in countries where reporters have faced persistent attacks, harassment and even murder.
Philippine VP seeks 2022 presidency, facing dictator’s son
October 7, 2021 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine vice president and opposition leader Leni Robredo registered her presidential candidacy Thursday for next year's elections in a move that would bring the pro-democracy advocate to a new faceoff with the son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos who is also seeking the top post.
Philippine dictator son’s presidential run triggers protests
October 6, 2021 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — The son and namesake of Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who was toppled in a 1986 pro-democracy uprising, registered his candidacy Wednesday for next year’s presidential elections, sparking a protest by activists who angrily recalled the widespread human rights atrocities that marked the martial law era under his late father.
Manila mayor formalizes bid for Philippine presidency
October 4, 2021 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — The popular mayor of the Philippine capital registered his candidacy for the presidency in next year’s elections on Monday, promising to ease coronavirus outbreaks, fix the country’s battered economy and heal deep political divisions.
Philippine leader Duterte announces retirement from politics
October 2, 2021 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday announced he was retiring from politics and dropping plans to run for vice president in elections next year, when his term ends, paving the way for his politician daughter to make a possible bid for the top post.
Philippine leader asks officials to ignore corruption probe
October 1, 2021 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippine president says he will prohibit Cabinet officials from attending an ongoing Senate inquiry on suspected irregularities in massive government purchases of medical supplies in a brewing constitutional crisis.
Manila mayor, ex-scavenger and actor, to seek presidency
September 22, 2021 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — The popular mayor of the Philippine capital said Wednesday he will run for president in next year’s elections, the latest aspirant in what is expected to be a crowded race to succeed the controversial Rodrigo Duterte.
Philippines’ Duterte blasts ‘selfish’ nations over vaccines
September 21, 2021 GMTUNITED NATIONS (AP) — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte criticized rich nations at the U.N. General Assembly for hoarding COVID-19 vaccines while much of the developing world continues to suffer shortages.
Boxer-senator Manny Pacquiao to run for Philippine president
September 19, 2021 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine boxing icon and senator Manny Pacquiao says he will run for president in the 2022 elections.
Pacquiao accepted the nomination of his PDP-Laban party at its national convention on Sunday, saying that the Filipino people have been waiting for a change of government.
Philippines’ Duterte will ‘die first’ before facing ICC
September 16, 2021 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte would rather “die first” before facing an international tribunal, his spokesman said Thursday, the day after the International Criminal Court announced it would investigate allegations of crimes against humanity during his bloody war on drugs.
Duterte’s party picks him as VP candidate in Philippines
September 9, 2021 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippines' governing party nominated President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday as its vice presidential candidate in next year's elections, a maneuver widely seen as an effort to keep the popular leader near the center of power while avoiding constitutional term limits.
Duterte confirms he’ll run for Philippines VP next year
August 25, 2021 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Tough-talking Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has confirmed rumblings that he will run next year for vice president, in what critics say is an attempt at an end-run around constitutional term limits.
Philippine leader retains pact allowing US war exercises
July 30, 2021 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippines will keep having large-scale combat exercises with the United States after President Rodrigo Duterte retracted his decision to terminate a key defense pact in a move that may antagonize an increasingly belligerent China.
The Latest: Filipino leader says unvaccinated may be shut in
July 29, 2021 GMTMANILA, Philippines — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is warning that Filipinos who refuse to get vaccinated against the coronavirus will not be allowed to leave their homes as a safeguard against the more contagious delta variant.
Philippine leader unabashedly threatens to kill drug dealers
July 26, 2021 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte unabashedly renewed his threat to kill drug dealers in his final state of the nation speech on Monday, while defending his nonconfrontational approach in the country's territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea.
Protesters mark Philippine president’s last year in power
June 30, 2021 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Left-wing activists and relatives of people killed in Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign marked the start of his last year in office Wednesday with a noisy protest and a “countdown toward achieving justice.”
Duterte open to running for VP, lashes out at ally Pacquiao
June 29, 2021 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he may consider running for vice president next year when his term ends “if there is a space for me,” although opponents have described such a prospect as “a joke of the worst kind.”