“I think it's certainly going to happen… It's happening now,” he said, pointing to what he described as a “very, very serious restructuring” of global systems.

Marcos indicated that changes in international relations — shaped by rising geopolitical tensions — would likely force countries to “withdraw, redraw” even their legal frameworks, resulting in a “new normal.”

Despite persistent maritime disputes in the South China Sea , Manila has continued to separate security tensions from economic cooperation with Beijing. 

Marcos said the Philippines has “always tried to differentiate the territorial disputes from our trade arrangements,” noting that Chinese investments still support major government programmes.

“And they have not used this as somehow, they haven't leveraged this in any way… they’ve been very, very helpful in terms of, for example, fertilizer,” he added.

The Philippines and China remain locked in a long-running dispute in the South China Sea, where Beijing continues to reject a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated its sweeping claims.

Marcos also said Manila is open to reviving stalled discussions with China on joint oil and gas development in disputed waters, suggesting that ongoing global tensions — particularly in the Middle East — could provide impetus for progress.

“That’s something we’ve been talking about for a great deal, but territorial disputes are getting in the way of that,” he said. “Maybe this provides impetus for both sides to come to an agreement.”

At the same time, the Philippines is seeking to diversify energy sources amid supply concerns linked to the Middle East crisis, including exploring potential fuel imports from Russia , a non-traditional supplier.

Marcos stressed that Manila’s foreign policy remains anchored on stability.

“We never want war… It’s peace and the national interest,” he said.

The Philippines and the United States conducted a joint sea patrol, signalling a firm position on maritime sovereignty at a time of heightened regional pressure. The patrol reflects Manila’s continued alignment with Washington in asserting its role in contested waters and reinforcing defence cooperation. This development is framed as a strong stance on the Philippines’ maritime rights and security posture.

Senate leaders push for a ceasefire in the China-Philippines diplomatic dispute

Philippine Senate leaders called for a ceasefire amid an ongoing diplomatic dispute between China and the Philippines. The intervention suggests concern within the country’s political leadership over escalation and the need for de-escalatory measures in regional diplomacy. The issue highlights how maritime and foreign policy tensions are now being debated at the highest legislative level.

House panel dismisses impeachment complaints against President Marcos Jr.

A House panel dismissed impeachment complaints filed against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., effectively shutting down a major political challenge at this stage. The dismissal underscores the President’s continued institutional support within Congress and signals the difficulty of advancing impeachment efforts in the current balance of power.

Major raid exposes illegal cigarette factory tied to politicians and trafficking

Authorities carried out a major raid uncovering an illegal cigarette factory , reportedly linked to politicians and connected with human trafficking. The case highlights the intersection of organised crime, illicit manufacturing, and political protection networks, raising broader concerns about governance and enforcement capacity.

Comelec strained by budget shortfall ahead of Antipolo special election

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is facing a budget shortfall in preparation for a special election in Antipolo, triggered by the death of a lawmaker . The situation points to logistical and financial vulnerabilities in election administration, even for single-district contests, and raises questions about institutional readiness for broader electoral demands.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is prepared for any impeachment complaint that may be filed against him, Malacañang said on Monday, amid reports that some lawmakers are planning to pursue charges. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos respects the Constitution and due process and remains confident that Congress continues to trust him. She rejected claims of a breach of public trust, saying the president had not stolen public funds and had ordered investigations into allegedly anomalous flood control projects. Her remarks followed comments by opposition lawmaker Edgar Erice, who said an impeachment complaint was being considered.

Authorities stop suspected Russia-bound human trafficking victims 

Philippine immigration authorities intercepted two Filipino men at Manila’s main international airport, preventing them from becoming victims of a suspected human trafficking scheme to Russia. The Bureau of Immigration said the men, aged 48 and 52, were stopped on January 2 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport before boarding a flight to Hong Kong. Officers found inconsistencies in their travel accounts and determined they were being recruited for illegal overseas work. The men said they were promised high-paying jobs in Russia after being recruited via social media. They were handed over to anti-trafficking authorities as the investigation continues.

Marcos heads to UAE for trade, defence deals 

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. left Manila on Monday for a three-day visit to the United Arab Emirates , where he is expected to witness the signing of trade and defence agreements and attend a sustainability summit in Abu Dhabi. Malacañang said Marcos will oversee the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, aimed at boosting trade, services and investment and widening Philippine access to Gulf markets. A defence cooperation memorandum covering joint training and information sharing is also due to be signed. Marcos said the visit would benefit both Filipinos at home and the nearly 900,000 living in the UAE.

Philippines probes Nestlé infant formula recall over safety concerns

The Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration said on Monday it is investigating the voluntary recall by Nestlé Philippines of selected batches of Nan Optipro and Nankid Optipro infant formula to determine its scope and any safety implications. The FDA said the recall was initiated as a precaution after a reported issue involving a raw material supplied to Nestlé, though no regulatory safety limits have been breached. No illnesses or adverse events have been reported. The agency is coordinating with Nestlé to verify affected batches and ensure their removal from stores and online platforms, urging consumers to check batch numbers and follow recall instructions.

Philippines shuts Cebu landfill after deadly landslide

Environmental authorities in the central Philippines have ordered the immediate shutdown of the Binaliw sanitary landfill in Cebu City after a landslide killed at least 10 workers and left 26 missing. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said it issued a cease-and-desist order against operator Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc. following a site inspection on January 9. All landfill operations have been suspended, except for rescue, retrieval and clean-up activities. The agency said a thorough investigation is underway to determine responsibility. At least 18 people were injured and are being treated in the hospital.

Castro said the President strongly objected to what he described as sweeping and misleading characterisations of the Philippines as an “ISIS training hotspot."

According to the NSC, there is currently no validated information confirming that the suspects underwent any form of extremist training while in the country, despite reports circulating in foreign media.

“The Philippine authorities, in coordination with international partners, continue to verify all available information, but no evidence has been presented to support claims that the country was used for terrorist training,” the NSC said in a statement read by Castro.

This follows reports by overseas outlets that described the Philippines, particularly parts of the south, as an ISIS-linked training hub. 

For example, a New York Post report claimed the suspects had spent time in a “Third World ISIS hotspot” before the attack, citing unnamed sources. Separately, the New York Times reported that the suspects had travelled to southern Philippines, where ISIS-linked groups have operated, but said their activities there remained unclear.

The NSC said reports failed to reflect the current security situation in the Philippines, noting that ISIS-affiliated groups have been significantly weakened since the 2017 siege of Marawi.

It cited assessments by the United Nations and the United States government indicating that these groups now operate in a fragmented and diminished capacity, with violence in Mindanao largely driven by long-standing local conflicts and clan feuds rather than organised ISIS operations.

The council said the country’s domestic security environment had seen major improvements in recent years as a result of sustained counterterrorism efforts.

“These developments reflect the continued work of our security forces and the resilience of our communities in promoting peace , order and development across the nation,” the NSC said.

Castro added that Marcos has instructed the Anti-Terrorism Council and other security agencies to remain vigilant against any potential threats and to continue strengthening cooperation with international partners to protect national security.

Two senior Philippine officials have resigned after being linked to a major corruption probe into missing infrastructure funds, escalating the crisis facing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s administration. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman stepped down as investigations widened into billions allegedly diverted from anti-flood projects. The scandal has triggered mass protests, with hundreds of thousands rallying in Manila. Politician Zaldy Co, now abroad, has accused Marcos of pushing for suspicious budget increases, though the claims remain unverified. Several officials have already been charged as inquiries continue into “ghost” public works and substandard or non-existent flood control projects.

Agri exports seen to gain from latest US tariff exemptions

Philippine agricultural exports are expected to gain a boost after the United States removed its 19 percent tariff on a range of products under an executive order issued on November 14. Coconut-based goods, tropical fruit juices, cocoa, bananas, oranges, spices and some semiconductor items are now exempt, covering an estimated $1 billion worth of Philippine agri-exports in 2024. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the move will strengthen export competitiveness, protect jobs and enhance economic stability, adding that a large share of shipments to the US is now free of reciprocal tariffs.

President Marcos declares $6.5 million in wealth

The declared wealth of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos has risen steadily since he took office, according to their 2022–2024 SALNs obtained by local paper The STAR. Their net worth increased from P329.23 million upon assuming the presidency to P389.36 million by end-2024. The latest filing shows P247.33 million in real properties and P42.03 million in personal assets. The growth was driven by higher cash holdings, expanded money market investments, and new property acquisitions, including two houses in La Union worth a combined P86.5 million and several agricultural lots in Ilocos Norte. Jewellery, vehicles and paintings also increased in value. The couple declared zero liabilities throughout the three-year period. 

Philippines falls in climate policy, mitigation rankings

The Philippines has dropped from 7th to 19th in the latest Climate Change Performance Index , slipping from a high to a medium performer. It remains the only Southeast Asian country in the top 20, ranking above the EU, France, Germany and India. The fall is largely due to weak climate policy, slow progress on renewable energy, and the government’s failure to submit updated climate targets ahead of COP30 in Brazil. Civil society groups say the delay reflects political shortcomings, while experts warn Manila still lacks a net-zero pathway and a plan to phase out fossil fuels. The index notes continued reliance on liquefied natural gas despite signs of coal decline. Critics add that corruption and frequent disasters hinder more ambitious climate action.

President Marcos denies sister’s accusation of drug use fanning family feud

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has rejected fresh accusations by his sister, Senator Imee Marcos, that he has a long-term cocaine habit. The claims emerged as the country faces mass protests over corruption. Speaking at a Manila rally, the senator alleged his supposed drug use dated back to their father’s rule and had fuelled poor governance, but provided no evidence. The presidential palace dismissed the remarks as unfounded and previously disproven, citing past negative drug tests. Imee also accused the president’s family of drug use, while the palace criticised her for overlooking similar controversies involving the Dutertes, who deny wrongdoing.

However, the most recent controversy does not concern small-time users or street-level peddlers. Instead, it erupted at the highest levels of government and within the Marcos family itself.

On Monday, Senator Imee Marcos publicly accused her brother, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and their children of being drug addicts. 

“Ever since Bongbong and I were kids, the family already knew about him,” she said at a rally organized by the religious group Iglesia ni Cristo.

“I knew that he was using drugs,” she added, claiming the President’s alleged addiction worsened after marrying Liza, whom she also accused of drug use.

Imee further alleged that the First Family encouraged her own children and other relatives to take illegal drugs. 

She said she had kept her distance from the First Family since 2022 due to what she described as “blatant drinking and use of cocaine and other illegal drugs.”

Malacañang was quick to refute the allegations. 

Citing the President’s negative drug tests, Palace undersecretary Claire Castro said Imee was only “tarnishing” her brother’s name and questioned her motives.

Representative Sandro Marcos also rejected the claims as “not only false, but dangerously irresponsible,” accusing his aunt of spreading a “web of lies” for political gain.

The allegations follow earlier attempts by pro-Duterte groups to link Marcos to illegal drugs, including a fake viral video in July 2024 and Duterte’s own accusations in a January rally.

The protests capped a tumultuous day in Manila politics: two Cabinet secretaries resigned, replacements were named, and the President’s own sister accused him and the First Family of using illicit drugs.

How influential is the INC? And why is it entangling itself in Philippine politics ?

Strength in numbers?

INC is a nontrinitarian Christian denomination founded in Manila in 1914. 

Over the decades, it has expanded globally, establishing congregations in cities across the United States, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

While not the largest religious group in the predominantly Catholic Philippines, INC is widely considered one of the most politically influential.

A significant portion of its 2.8 million members vote as a bloc, typically backing candidates endorsed by church leadership, a coveted advantage for any political campaign.

Politicians have long courted INC’s “blessing.”

One of the most formidable and remarkable endorsements the group made was for Marcos and his former running mate, Vice President Sara Duterte, back in the consequential 2022 national elections.

The endorsement delivered. Marcos secured 31 million votes, twice that of his closest rival, while Duterte won an even larger tally of 32 million.

INC’s top minister now even holds a seat in the Marcos administration as special envoy for overseas Filipino concerns.

Why the break?

The deteriorating alliance between the Marcos and Duterte camps appears to be the most immediate trigger for INC’s rupture with the administration.

Relations soured after budget controversies hit Duterte’s office, prompting Marcos to remove her as Education Secretary. Tensions deepened when Duterte faced impeachment complaints, cases analysts say now increasingly expose Marcos himself, given the widening corruption scandal implicating the President and key aides.

INC had already shown signs of discontent. In January, thousands of members gathered for a “National Rally for Peace.”

But the latest protests took a sharper political turn after Sen. Imee Marcos, the President’s estranged sister, used the rally to level explosive drug-use allegations against him.

And while the demonstration has ended, Philippine politics remain unsettled.

The government has yet to prosecute anyone over the alleged diversion of flood-control funds . Two senior officials have resigned under the banner of delicadeza. And the administration has now virtually lost the support of one of the country’s most politically active religious blocs.

A growing number of Philippine senators are urging the reinstatement of former senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson to the Blue Ribbon Committee, the body known for investigating government corruption. Lawmakers believe Lacson’s experience and reputation for integrity would lend credibility to ongoing probes into major irregularities. His possible return comes as multiple agencies face scrutiny for alleged misuse of public funds in infrastructure and procurement projects.

Lacson asserts that the government’s fight against corruption serves all Filipinos

In a related development, Lacson stressed that the government’s anti-corruption drive should benefit “all Filipinos, not just businesses.” He noted that corruption undermines public welfare and economic confidence. His statement followed renewed public debate over corruption in flood control projects, procurement processes, and campaign financing. Lacson called for consistency in the enforcement of laws to ensure accountability at all levels of government.

Government prepares jail cells for flood control corruption suspects

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced that regular jail facilities have been readied for individuals accused in the flood control corruption case, underscoring the administration’s seriousness in addressing the scandal. The DILG said that no special treatment will be afforded to those implicated, amid criticism that high-profile offenders often avoid standard detention conditions. The department emphasized that justice must be seen to be fair and consistent to rebuild public trust.

Public trust in government plunges amid corruption controversy

A new nationwide poll has revealed a significant decline in public trust in government institutions during the third quarter of 2025. The drop follows a wave of corruption scandals linked to infrastructure projects and campaign financing. Analysts say the findings reflect rising public frustration with the slow pace of reforms and transparency efforts. Business and civil society groups are pressing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to take stronger action to restore confidence.

Business sector urges Marcos to take decisive anti-corruption measures

Major business groups have issued a joint statement calling on President Marcos to take “swift and decisive action” against what they describe as “unprecedented levels of corruption.” They warn that continued inaction could damage investor confidence and slow economic recovery. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has also reminded contractors and bidders that “shady schemes” will not succeed under the newly implemented procurement law. The government says the reforms aim to close loopholes that previously allowed irregularities to flourish.