Marcos Jr. leads the Philippines as president, pursuing foreign-security partnerships while facing governance and policy pressures.
The Balikatan exercises are extending to include Japan, Canada and France, with more than 17,000 personnel from the Philippines, United States and allies practicing coastal defense, maritime operations and live-fire drills across multiple locations through May 8. The drills highlight a broadened security network amid ongoing tensions in the South China Sea.
The Self-Defense Forces have taken on a combat role in Balikatan exercises in the Philippines, deploying about 1,400 personnel, ships, aircraft and anti-ship missiles. The drills include live-fire demonstrations and cooperation with the AFP, US and other allies, signaling closer security ties and expanded cooperation.
Thailand has cancelled the MOU 44 framework for joint offshore exploration with Cambodia, but will pursue maritime boundary issues under UNCLOS. Cambodia regrets the move and signals commitment to a peaceful, law-based resolution as border clashes last year underscore volatile dynamics.
ASEAN leaders are coordinating a regional response to energy and food security amid disruptions from the Iran conflict and the Strait of Hormuz closure. The Philippines is chairing the Cebu summit, pushing a voluntary oil-sharing framework, a regional power grid, and measures to diversify energy sources while maintaining open sea lanes.
The Philippines is reinforcing its defense partnerships and upgrading infrastructure as regional tensions in the South China Sea and around Taiwan intensify. Manila says it remains resilient amid Chinese pressure while expanding alliances with the United States and other partners. Vietnam hosts a state visit signaling deeper security cooperation.
The anti‑graft Ombudsman has indicted Senator Jinggoy Estrada for plunder and related corruption over kickbacks totaling 573 million pesos from flood‑control projects. Estrada has been jailed before but has posted bail in related cases and remains active in politics as prosecutors press a second charge.
A magnitude 7.8 earthquake has struck off Mindanao on Monday morning, killing dozens, injuring hundreds and displacing tens of thousands. General Santos City and nearby provinces have reported collapsed buildings, landslides and damaged infrastructure. Rescue teams are searching rubble while aftershocks and earlier tsunami alerts are complicating operations.
A 7.8-magnitude offshore quake off Mindanao has left dozens dead, thousands displaced, and ongoing rescue and relief operations across southern Philippines as aftershocks hamper recovery and access to isolated communities.
Beijing has banned Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and his family from entering China, including Hong Kong and Macau, over remarks Beijing deems harmful to its interests. Manila calls the move unfounded and vows to defend territorial integrity as Manila tightens security ties with the United States and allies.
The Philippines’ Senate has shifted leadership ahead of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, with Sherwin Gatchalian securing the presidency of the chamber after a bloc allied with him gains a majority. The move follows months of intra-chamber discord tied to broader clashes between Duterte and Marcos and potential ICC actions.
Three students have been killed and several others wounded after a shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Philippines. Authorities say the suspects, both students, have been arrested or detained and that an investigation is underway. President Marcos Jr. has ordered a thorough probe and security measures for schools are being reviewed.
Three students have been killed and 20 others wounded after a shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban city. Two 14- and 15-year-old suspects used handguns. Police say the attack may be linked to bullying; investigators are examining online influences and potential involvement of an app linked to violence. A government-ordered probe is underway and security at schools is under review.
The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has begun in Manila. Police have deployed thousands around the Senate as supporters and opponents gather. Duterte denies the charges including misuse of funds, bribery and an assassination plot, saying the case is politically motivated. The trial could determine her eligibility for a 2028 presidential bid.