SAN MANUEL, Tarlac -- Political leaders in Tarlac province would block any member of the Aquino clan who would seek any elective post in the 2019 elections, Mayor Benjamin Tesoro said here on Monday, Aug. 21, during the program commemorating the 34th anniversary of the assassination of former Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.
From now on, Benham Rise will be known as Philippine Rise. President Duterte, through Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, signed last week an executive order (EO) changing the name of Benham Rise, a resource-rich submerged landmass off the eastern coast of the Philippines, to Philippine Rise.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday, May 24, assured the international community that the government is in “full control” of the situation in Mindanao after the declaration of martial law in the whole southern region.
BEIJING -- A framework agreement between China and the Association of Southeast Asia Nations on a code of conduct in the South China Sea marks a potentially significant step toward cooling tensions in the strategic waterway, analysts said Friday, May 19.
Read more: Draft a sign of progress on South China Sea code of conduct
President Duterte warned on Wednesday, May 24, that he would deal harshly with terrorists, after declaring martial law in Mindanao following clashes in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur province, between government forces and Moro extremists who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group in Iraq and Syria.
President Duterte’s forging close relations with Russia, which opens the door for improved defense and economic partnership between the two countries, shows he is a pragmatist who would cultivate ties with any country that would help the Philippines, according to political analyst Clarita Carlos.
President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, May 24, said he was happy with his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
China on Monday, May 22, sidestepped claims by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte that it had threatened to go to war over the disputed South China Sea.
Read more: China sidesteps Duterte claim of war threat over sea row
MOSCOW -- Bilateral agreements between the Philippines and Russia will still be signed despite President Duterte’s abrupt departure to attend to terror attacks in Marawi City, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two countries can deal on trade, energy machinery, transport infrastructure and military, Putin said.
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, May 22, showed off a Filipino-designed watch, which he will be wearing during his official visit to Russia.
Read more: Duterte urges gov’t officials to wear Filipino-made products