Duterte

Philippines’ Duterte says son will be killed if involved in drugs

Manila - Muslimchronicle

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has said he will have his son killed if drug trafficking allegations against the younger politician are true, and that the police who carry out the hit will be protected from prosecution. Paolo Duterte, 42, this month appeared before a senate inquiry to deny accusations made by an opposition lawmaker he was a member of aRead more

Presidential press passes for bloggers

Manila - Muslimchronicle

Bloggers and other social media "influencers" who have more than 5,000 followers will be eligible for official press passes to cover Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, his aides said Thursday. The announcement caused a stir with some journalists in traditional media, amid a debate in which pro-Duterte bloggers have been accused of spreading "fake news" particularly in relation to the president'sRead more

Philippine war babies to live with 'Martial' law legacy

Marawi - Muslimchronicle

Raisah Labay gently cradles her newborn: a boy who was named Martial to mark her flight from a war-torn Philippine city and his birth under newly imposed military rule. President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law across the southern third of the Philippines last month in response to Islamist militants going on a rampage in her home city of Marawi, whichRead more

Duterte takes a rest as Philippine city burns

Philippine - Muslimchronicle

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has withdrawn from public duties this week because he is tired and needs to "rejuvenate", his spokesman said Thursday as government forces battled Islamist militants in the biggest crisis of his rule. Duterte, 72, has not been seen in public since Sunday and missed a scheduled appearance the following day at annual Independence Day celebrations inRead more

Philippine President Duterte wins TIME 100 Reader Poll

New York - Arab today

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has won Time magazine's readers' poll of the 100 most influential people in the world, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not garner any votes in the online survey. Duterte had consistently led the Time 100 Reader Poll, an online survey in which the publication had asked its readers to vote for who should be included in this year'sRead more

Philippines' Duterte plans to visit disputed South China Sea island

Manila - Arab today

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Thursday he plans to visit an island the Philippines claims in the disputed South China Sea and raise the Philippine flag. Duterte told reporters he would also fortify the island of Thitu with barracks. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, where about $5 trillion worth of seaborne goods pass every year. Brunei,Read more

EU denies it has frozen Philippines trade talks over human rights

Brussels - Arab today

The European Commission said on Tuesday the Philippines' human rights record could influence future trade ties, but denied reports that it had suspended free trade negotiations with Manila. The GUE/NGL left-wing grouping in the European Parliament said on Tuesday it welcomed the Commission's decision to pause the trade talks, referring to two media reports. But the Commission said there hadRead more

Duterte orders Philippine troops to South China Sea reefs

MANILA - Arab today

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Thursday he has ordered troops to deploy on unoccupied South China Sea islands and reefs claimed by Manila, in a move that could provoke rival claimants including Beijing. “It looks like everybody is making a grab for the islands there, so we better live on those that are still vacant,” he told reporters during aRead more

Duterte rejects impeachment complaint against Robredo

Manila - Arab today

President Rodrigo Duterte has said he does not support the filing of impeachment proceedings against Vice-President Leni Robredo, adding her criticism of his campaign against illegal drug trade at the United Nations symbolised Philippine democracy. “Look, we just had an election [in May 2016]. Guys, lay off. Stop it,” Duterte said as he arrived at the international airport of DavaoRead more

Philippines’ Duterte reignites martial law fears

MANILA - Arab today

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte warned Thursday he may impose martial law and suspend elections for tens of thousands of local posts, fuelling concerns about democracy under his rule. Duterte said he was considering both measures as part of his controversial campaign to eradicate illegal drugs in society, and that martial law would solve a range of other security threats. “IfRead more