Philippines

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would reportedly be open to discussing Philippines rejoining of the International Criminal Court; His administration will “study it carefully,” following UN calls to reverse the 2019 withdrawal amid human rights concerns

On 127th Independence Day, Marcos Jr. honored the 1898 heroes who freed the Philippines from Spanish rule; He called for accountability and unity, linking today’s struggles, corruption, fake news to the fight for freedom that shaped the nation’s identity

At the ASEAN-GCC-China Forum in Kuala Lumpur, President Marcos urged ASEAN and China to expedite a binding Code of Conduct for the South China Sea; he stressed its importance for maritime security, stability, and preventing conflict in disputed waters

The Kanlaon volcano erupted on May 13, spewing a 4,5 km-high ash plume and affecting nearby villages; Authorities raised alert level 3, enforced a 6 km radius evacuation zone, and warned of possible further eruptions though no casualties were reported

Families of drug war victims have faced online harassment following former President Duterte's by the ICC, being labeled liars and paid agitators: they urged authorities to investigate these coordinated attacks and pursue legal action

Transport and commuter advocacy groups appealed to President to overturn the fare increase for the Light Rail Transit Line 1 LRT-1 in Manila, which would affect around 370.000 commuters daily and should take effect today

Thousands of Davao residents gathered with candles at former President Duterte residence on his 80th birthday, to express their well-wishes; Duterte is currently detained by the ICC in the Netherlands, facing charges related to his anti-drug campaign

Former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested in Manila on an International Criminal Court warrant for crimes against humanity linked to his deadly war on drugs, which left up to 30.000 dead; he has been transferred to The Hague for the upcoming trial

The Philippines and China are open to joint oil&gas exploration despite territorial tensions; talks focus on energy cooperation while ensuring Philippine sovereignty in a bid to overcome past failures over legal issue and seek a mutually beneficial deal

Lejun dela Cruz, a human rights activist and midterm election candidate, was arrested in Pasig for a 1998 murder; once part of the armed struggle, he later shifted to peaceful activism and his arrest raises concerns over political repression

The House impeached VP Sara Duterte over alleged misuse of public funds, corruption and threats against President Marcos Jr.; backed by 215 lawmakers, the case moves to the Senate and the trial will begin after 2 June: if convicted, she’ll be removed

The Puerto Princesa City Jail, in Palawan, promotes sports for Persons Deprived of Liberty; basketball, volleyball, chess, and more, aim to improve physical and mental well-being, foster discipline, teamwork, and support rehabilitation

Baguio has launched the 2025 Panagbenga Festival, a month-long celebration showcasing the city’s rich floral heritage; the festival features the Grand Float Parade, street dancing, and “Session Road in Bloom” attracting local and international tourists