Tag: the philippines

Philippines Imposes ‘No Vaccine, No Ride’ Policy on Manila’s Public Transportation

The Philippine government on Jan. 12 imposed a “no vaccine, no ride” policy on public transportation in the country’s capital Metro Manila, following President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to arrest unvaccinated individuals who violate stay-at-home orders. The government had earlier placed Metro Manila, a region with a population of over 13 million, under Alert Level 3…


Philippines Extends Curbs in Capital Region Until End of January Amid COVID-19 Surge

The Philippine government has decided to extend the restrictions imposed in the capital region until the end of January, an official said on Friday amid a surge in the country’s coronavirus cases. Acting Presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said on Friday that the national capital region will remain under Alert Level 3 until the end of…


Philippines Acquires India’s Anti-Ship Missile System for $375 Million

The Philippines has agreed to buy the BrahMos anti-ship missile system jointly developed by India and Russia worth $375 million, its Defense Secretary said on Friday, in a move seen as a response to China’s assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea. Philippines’ Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana released a document on Friday announcing Manila’s approval…


Philippines Cuts COVID-19 Booster Shot Interval to 3 Months After Third Omicron Case Emerged

The Philippines’ government has shortened the interval for the administration of COVID-19 booster shots from six months to three months, the health ministry said on Tuesday, following the detection of a third Omicron case in the country. Adults are now allowed to get their booster shots three months after the second dose of a primary…


Emergency Appeal Launched to Help 400,000 Typhoon Rai Victims in Philippines

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) on Dec. 19 launched an emergency appeal to raise 20 million Swiss Francs ($21.6 million) to help 400,000 people whose homes have been destroyed by Typhoon Rai that struck the Philippines last week. At its strongest, the typhoon packed sustained winds of 121 mph…


Philippines’ Duterte Withdraws From Senate Race to Ensure ‘Peaceful Elections’

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday has pulled out of the 2022 senate race to ensure “orderly and peaceful elections,” Duterte’s acting spokesman said, following his preferred successor’s official withdrawal from the presidential race. Duterte, 76, is barred by the Philippines constitution to seek reelection as president. He announced his retirement from politics in October,…


Filipino Journalist Who Covered Duterte’s Drug War Shot Dead by Gunman

A Filipino journalist, who contributed to the Reuters’ Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation on President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war in 2018, was shot dead by a gunman while watching television at his family’s store in Calbayog City, Samar province, on Wednesday. Jesus “Jess” Malabanan, 58, a correspondent for the Manila Standard who had also worked for Reuters…


Australia Backs Philippines Against Beijing’s Actions in South China Sea

Australia has voiced concern over Beijing’s activities in the South China Sea last week, which saw three Chinese coast guard patrol vessels block and use water cannons against Philippine supply boats at Second Thomas Shoal, a Philippine-occupied shoal in the Spratly Islands. “The Australian Government has consistently expressed concern about the dangerous or coercive use…