On June 11, China formally announced sanctions on Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his family, prohibiting them from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, and banning them from conducting business with firms originating from these areas. The decision to sanction him was in response to what Beijing called Teodoro’s “irresponsible remarks on China” in relation to China’s claim in the South China Sea.
Category: Philippines
Philippines-Canada enhance defence ties to shield supply chains and bolster minerals trade
The Philippines and Canada have agreed to enhance their defence partnership as the groundwork for deeper cross-border commerce, paved by the ratification of a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement (MLSA) on June 11 in Ottawa.
At least 32 dead following powerful earthquake in southern Philippines
On June 8, a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines, with its epicentre located off the coast of Mindanao island. The earthquake caused massive casualties and widespread destruction, collapsing buildings, triggering landslides and leaving 32 victims dead.
Luzon Economic Corridor tops Philippine-US bilateral talks
On June 5, the Philippines’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa Lazaro met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington D.C. on the sidelines of the commemoration of the 80th year of Philippine-US diplomatic relations.
Arrest of key Philippine senator shakes pro‑Duterte Senate bloc
The Philippine Senate has experienced an internal hurdle, as one of the majority bloc’s key members has been removed, raising serious questions about whether the camp supportive of former President Rodrigo Duterte will continue to dominate.
The Philippines asserts ASEAN autonomy at Shangri‑La Dialogue
Philippine Secretary of National Defence, Gilbert Teodoro Jr., leveraged the 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue to firmly position Manila to guard the “autonomy of ASEAN member states”. The Philippine delegation emphasised its role to protect rules-based order and solidify international alliances.
Marcos, Takaichi elevate Japan–Philippines ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae formally elevated their countries’ bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) during a state visit on May 28, marking a step forward in bilateral ties amid geopolitical and economic challenges.
Dutch frigate docks in Manila amid South China Sea tensions
The Royal Netherlands Navy’s command frigate HNLMS De Ruyter (F804), docked in Manila port for three days from May 22 until 24, participating in a joint drill as part of their “Pacific Archer” mission—a five-month deployment mission within the Indo-Pacific region. The frigate’s arrival in Manila coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the Netherlands.
Philippines renews commitment to HIV Support during International AIDS Candlelight Memorial
On May 25, the Philippines’ Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) as the country marked the 2026 International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM). The IACM is one of the world’s longest-running movements dedicated to HIV and AIDS awareness and advocacy.
Philippine Senate demands VP Sara Duterte to submit a formal response
The Philippine Senate formally opened its second impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte on May 18, marking a historic moment in the country’s political trajectory.