Manila

Protesters hold posters calling for protection of Indigenous lands amid growing number of development projects in the Philippines.

The Philippines is among the most dangerous places in the world for environmental activists

The international nonprofit Global Witness has ranked the Philippines at the top of its list of deadliest countries to be an eco-activist. Dozens of environmentalists and land defenders also die each year or end up on government watch lists.

The Philippines is among the most dangerous places in the world for environmental activists
Men place their hands over their heads as they are rounded up during a continuing "war on drugs" police campaign of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in Manila, Philippines, Oct. 7, 2016. 

A rare murder conviction in the Philippines reveals a 'broken' justice system

A rare murder conviction in the Philippines reveals a 'broken' justice system
A worker fills up a plastic container with gasoline at a gas station in Pasay, Philippines, Oct. 11, 2022.

Record-breaking inflation rates in the Philippines are pushing people to take on extra jobs

Record-breaking inflation rates in the Philippines are pushing people to take on extra jobs
Bongbong Marcos holds up his hand in a celebratory pose as his wife and children look on

A member of the Marcos family is returning to power — here’s what it means for democracy in the Philippines

A member of the Marcos family is returning to power — here’s what it means for democracy in the Philippines
Boxing legend and presidential candidate, senator Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao greets the crowd in Pasay city, Philippines Monday, March 14, 2022. 

Candidates go ‘green’ on the campaign trail for Philippines national election

Candidates go ‘green’ on the campaign trail for Philippines national election
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, center, gestures as he greets his supporters during a motorcade promoting his presidential bid in the 2022 national elections in Manila, Philippines, Feb. 8, 2022.

Campaign season in the Philippines ramps up 

The 2022 campaign season in the Philippines officially kicked off on Tuesday with presidential campaign rallies across the country. It’s the start of a 90-day sprint to Election Day on May 9. Ten candidates are running to replace current president Rodrigo Duterte, who is term-limited. 

Campaign season in the Philippines ramps up 
Medical Technologist Erika Alvarado performs a COVID-19 test on a patient who just delivered a baby outside a hospital in Manila, Philippines, on Dec. 24, 2021.

Health care workers in the Philippines reject new COVID-19 rules as 'inhumane'

Many front-line workers and organizations immediately condemned the new rules, calling them “not safe, not fair” and not a solution to the “chronic and accute problem of understaffing.”

Health care workers in the Philippines reject new COVID-19 rules as 'inhumane'
In this Oct. 17, 2014, photo, a worker walks at power plant area in Cirebon, Indonesia. 

Indonesia poised to ease export ban on thermal coal

In an effort to protect Indonesia’s thermal coal supply, the country imposed an export ban in early January. But after several countries in Asia that depend on the crucial commodity lamented the move, the country has indicated an imminent ease of the ban.

Indonesia poised to ease export ban on thermal coal
Rappler CEO and Executive Editor Maria Ressa, right, stands in front of reporters as she arrives at the Court of Tax Appeals in Metro Manila, Philippines

Nobel Peace Prize is 'a testament to how truth prevails,' Rappler journalist says

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has given the Nobel Peace Prize to journalists for the first time since 1935. Sofia Tomacruz, who works at Rappler with one of this year's two winners, Maria Ressa, joined The World's host Marco Werman to discuss the significance of the announcement.

Nobel Peace Prize is 'a testament to how truth prevails,' Rappler journalist says
United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Philippines Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana shake hands after a bilateral meeting with their counties' flags behind them

Philippine president reverses threat to void long-standing defense deal with the US

After years of pushing a narrative of anti-Americanism and Filipino nationalism, President Rodrigo Duterte reversed his decision to void a long-standing defense agreement with the US. Analysts say Manila is in need of American assistance to counter Chinese aggression.

Philippine president reverses threat to void long-standing defense deal with the US
A sole woman waits in an empty movie theater-turned vaccination hub for her vaccine at a mall

Filipinos hesitant about getting COVID jab after dengue fever vaccine debacle

After a major controversy over a dengue fever vaccine, Filipinos are vaccine-wary when it comes to the COVID-19 jab.

Filipinos hesitant about getting COVID jab after dengue fever vaccine debacle
A sole woman waits in an empty movie theater-turned vaccination hub for her vaccine at a mall

Vaccine hesitancy: A nationwide challenge in the Philippines

After a major controversy over a dengue fever vaccine, many Filipinos are vaccine-weary when it comes to the COVID-19 jab. 

Vaccine hesitancy: A nationwide challenge in the Philippines
People walk wearing face masks and shields over a bridge near a mall

COVID-19 and the limits of state power: Part I

Critical State, our weekly foreign policy fix, takes a deep dive into new research that looks at the challenges of public health communication in areas of civil conflict, with a focus on the Philippines.

COVID-19 and the limits of state power: Part I
Several Afghan security officials are show wearing body armor and holding weapons.

Gunmen attack Kabul University; Typhoon Goni's deadly wake; Officials arrested in Hong Kong

Gunmen stormed Kabul University in Afghanistan on Monday, leaving at least 19 dead and dozens wounded. And, A massive typhoon struck provinces south of the Philippines capital of Manila on Sunday with winds of up to 190 mph. Also, authorities in Hong Kong arrested seven prominent Hong Kong opposition leaders.

Gunmen attack Kabul University; Typhoon Goni's deadly wake; Officials arrested in Hong Kong
Philippines residents use improvised devices to catch fish atop their house which is submerged by floods

In 2020, the courts will continue to be a player in climate change

Storms and other disasters are expected to grow more intense as the climate warms.

In 2020, the courts will continue to be a player in climate change