Rodrigo Duterte

In a stunning political upheaval, the Philippine House has voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte amid serious graft and corruption charges, which could jeopardize her ambitions for the 2028 presidency. The trial will be overseen by a Senate led by an ally of Duterte, raising questions about the impartiality of the proceedings.

Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa, wanted by the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity, vows to fight extradition. He denies condoning extrajudicial killings during his tenure as police chief, stating his role was to lead the anti-drug war, not to annihilate people. Meanwhile, officials indicate readiness to surrender him if required by law.

The Philippine president has threatened to order the arrest of Filipinos who refuse Covid-19 vaccination and told them to leave the country if they would not cooperate to contain the pandemic.

Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested in Manila following an ICC warrant. Accused of crimes against humanity for his drug war, Duterte is now in custody and undergoing medical checks. Families of victims see the arrest as justice, while his previous legal counsel condemned it as unlawful.

Fitness gyms, barber shops and internet cafes were allowed to reopen partly in the Philippine capital Tuesday as the government further eased quarantine restrictions despite the country having the most coronavirus infections in Southeast Asia.

High-profile Philippine journalist Maria Ressa was convicted Monday in a cyber libel case that press freedom advocates have branded a ploy to silence critics of President Rodrigo Duterte. Ressa, 56, and her news site Rappler have been the target of legal action and probes after publishing stories critical of Duterte's policies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke to Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte during which he assured India's commitment to supporting the Philippines in its fight against the pandemic. President Duterte also appreciated the steps taken by India to maintain a supply of essential pharmaceutical products to the Philippines, according to a Prime Minister's Office's statement.

Rodrigo Duterte, the former Philippine president, faces ICC charges for crimes against humanity related to his war on drugs. Accused of involvement in numerous murders during his time as mayor and president, Duterte is currently detained in The Hague. His lawyer claims he is unfit for trial due to cognitive impairment, while supporters allege political motivation behind the case.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has angrily threatened to declare martial law after accusing communist rebels of killing two soldiers, who escorted the delivery of cash and food aid to villagers as his government scrambled to deal with a growing number of coronavirus infections.

As about 24,000 Filipinos who lost their jobs abroad are being transported by land, sea or air to their provincial homes, the president warned local officials not to refuse them entry out of coronavirus fears. The workers returned to the country in recent months as jobs dried up worldwide due to the pandemic.

The Philippines will deport 40,000 Chinese workers in a crackdown on unlicensed online gaming businesses, an official said Tuesday, after reports of kidnapping, prostitution and murder in the gambling industry. So-called Philippine offshore gaming operators, or POGOs, have boomed since 2016 as former president Rodrigo Duterte pursued closer trade and investment ties with China.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he will not allow students to go back to school until a coronavirus vaccine is available, even as some countries resume in-person classes. Children were due to return to school at the end of August after classes for more than 25 million primary and secondary students were shut down in March due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a brief interaction with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit. Both Modi and Li had chit-chat on Sunday also during a gala dinner hosted by Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte.

The two countries signed four agreements as Modi and Duterte held their first bilateral summit in Manila on the sidelines of the Asean summit and the PM strongly pitched for a rules-based regional security architecture, reflecting a growing convergence among India, the US and Japan over the need to deal with China’s intent to dominate the region.

Despite his ICC detention, Rodrigo Duterte appears to have secured a landslide victory in the Davao City mayoral race, with several family members also leading in Senate and local elections. This strengthens Vice President Sara Duterte's position amidst an upcoming impeachment trial. The results highlight the Duterte family's enduring influence, even as political tensions with President Marcos escalate.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at Manila's airport upon his return from Hong Kong, following ICC directives for an investigation into his aggressive anti-drug campaign. The ICC is examining potential crimes against humanity during Duterte's tenure as mayor of Davao and president.

PM Modi on Monday will hold a bilateral meeting with Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte and the Prime Minister is also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump.