Capital of the Philippines; dense, historic hub facing local and regional challenges
Since October, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pushed a rapid reorientation of Japan's postwar posture: her government has eased lethal-weapons export rules, the ruling party has opened formal talks on revising the pacifist constitution, and Tokyo has expanded defence ties and arms sales with partners including Australia and potential buyers such as the Philippines and Poland.
Labor unions, community groups and democratic organisations have been organising a nationwide May Day "economic blackout" for 1 May, calling for "no school, no work, no shopping". Organisers say events have more than doubled from last year and that city-wide actions are being planned in Los Angeles, Chicago and elsewhere to press immigration, voting and workers' rights.
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.
A pregnant woman gave birth on a Brooklyn courtroom bench after being arrested on charges of drug possession and trespassing. Advocates say she lacked adequate medical care and privacy; prosecutors dispute the accounts. The case has sparked renewed scrutiny of custody practices amid New York City's carceral system.
A building has collapsed in Angeles City, Pampanga province, during a thunderstorm. Officials say 21 to 30 workers remain unaccounted for as rescuers search the rubble. Several evacuees have been injured; others have escaped. Authorities are reviewing construction history to determine the cause.
A sustained energy shock tied to conflicts in the Middle East and rising oil prices has accelerated a move away from fossil fuels. Governments and producers are rushing to diversify energy sources, expand renewables and prepare for a future of higher energy costs and new geopolitical dynamics.
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.
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.
The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has begun in Manila. Police have deployed around the Senate as pro- and anti-Duterte demonstrators gather. Duterte denies wrongdoing and has appeared via counsel, with the outcome potentially barring her from future office and shaping the 2028 race.
The Philippines has formally objected to a China Daily AI-generated video that dehumanizes Filipinos and mocks the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling. Manila calls for takedown and warns against propaganda that escalates tensions as regional powers urge adherence to UNCLOS.
ASEAN foreign ministers are in Manila for high-level talks armed with a focus on Myanmar. The meeting also touches on regional energy, border tensions, and economic concerns as international players participate. The discussions follow a prior in-person engagement in Bangkok and come amid Myanmar’s ongoing conflict and Indonesia’s currency volatility.
Six foreigners have died after drinking methanol-tainted alcohol at a Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng in November 2024. Laos authorities say autopsies were not conducted, but tests found excessive methanol in vodka linked to the Tiger distillery. Charges have been laid against the distillery owner for illegal business and health-hazard offences, with penalties up to one year in jail and fines. Australia has pressed Laos for tougher charges and justice for the victims, as families express anger at the outcomes.
Video shows a clash at Second Thomas Shoal as a Chinese coast guard vessel allegedly struck a Philippine sailor with a wooden baton; Manila maintains a constitutional right to resupply the outpost, while Beijing asserts its claim. The incident follows a long-running dispute in the West Philippine Sea and comes ahead of ASEAN talks in Manila.
The Philippines reports a confrontation at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, with a Philippine sailor injured by a Chinese baton. Beijing denies wrongdoing as tensions surge ahead of ASEAN meetings and U.S. involvement signals broader regional stakes.