Duterte: African slaves better than addicts… you can make them work!
President Duterte has said that slaves are better than drug addicts, because at least if you buy an African you can put him to useful work. His ill-advised comparison has …
Duterte
Drug cops strangled kidnap victim outside office of national police chief
The South Korean murdered by rogue anti-drug police was driven to Manila before being strangled inside Camp Crame, the nation’s police headquarters. It has been reported that the businessman was …
“If it’s good enough for Jesus”… Pacquiao invokes Bible in support of death penalty
Senator Manny Pacquiao has invoked the Bible in support of reintroducing capital punishment, saying that even Jesus Christ was sentenced to death. Speaking to reporters today (Tuesday, January 17) the …
World’s most popular adult sites blocked in Philippines due to child porn fears
Some of the world’s most popular porn sites have been blocked in the Philippines in an apparent crackdown on child pornography. It comes only 10 days after a survey showed …
“Prepare to fight another dictator” – battle lines drawn over martial law comments
Patriotic Filipinos “should start preparing to fight another dictator”, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV warned today (Monday, January 16) following Duterte’s latest comments on martial law. Former Navy officer Trillanes, who led two …
Shooting too good for them? Duterte threatens to “poison” crooked governors
Days after threatening to kill “narco mayors” by unspecified means, Duterte has upped his game by warning crooked provincial governors that he will poison them. The bizarre threat came as …
Duterte: “No one can stop me declaring martial law if I want to”
President Duterte has again raised the spectre of martial law, saying he could declare it “if I want to” and that “no one can stop me.” Speaking in Davao city …
Abu Sayyaf threatens to behead German hostage as he’s filmed standing in open grave
Abu Sayyaf released a video today (Wednesday, January 11) apparently showing kidnapped German Jurgen Kantner standing in a freshly dug grave surrounded by masked militants. Mr Kantner, aged 70, is seen …
The human cost: One family’s experience on the frontline of the drug war
The human cost of President Duterte’s controversial war on drugs is most usually measured in stark numbers — a steadily mounting body count, ticking its way through the hundreds and …
Duterte warns mayors on his drug list: “Resign, sons of bitches, or die”
President Duterte has warned the mayors named on his list of drug dealers that they must quit, or die. During an oath-taking ceremony for more than 200 appointees on Monday …
Duterte declares “National Bible Month” as church frowns on drug war
President Duterte has declared January an annual “National Bible Month”, amid thinly veiled criticisms of his war on drugs from the Archbishop of Manila. Presidential Proclamation No. 124 aims to …
Hey, American conservatives: Why do you love this socialist, who hates your guts?
Whenever we publish a news article that mentions President Duterte (in good faith, without any attempt at bias) we expect to be attacked. (For clarity: This is an “opinion” column, …
What has Duterte ever done for us? End-of-year report lists achievements so far
The Malacañang has released an end-of-year report that lists, at some length, the “key accomplishments” of the Duterte administration so far. The achievements include everything from successfully prosecuting the war on drugs …
Bramovich: Mr Duterte, please stop threatening people with horrible deaths
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines took aim at President Rodrigo Duterte for saying that he likes “joking” and “playing around” with members of the Press Corps. (As …
The Friday Briefing: Could Christmas have been any worse for Filipinos?
Any journalists hoping for a relaxing Christmas break would have been sorely disappointed this past week. As if typhoon Nina wasn’t enough, there were bombs, shootings, rumours of nefarious American …
Bramovich: What on earth is going on at the palace? Is anyone talking to anyone?
PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON Ernesto Abella quoted Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo as saying that 10 people were reported dead and 20 wounded after an IED ripped through a crowd in Hilongos, …
Communist fighters gathered in Davao express support for Duterte
Communist rebel fighters have mustered openly in Davao today (December 26) and expressed their continuing support for President Duterte. About 300 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) massed to celebrate the 48th …
Bramovich: Merry Christmas Mr Duterte, you bloody hypocrite
In a very brief Christmas message to his country, “The Punisher” president shared his hopes for peace and progress as the Philippines moves into 2017. The entire “greeting” – delivered in …
Duterte comforts victims of Christmas Eve church grenade attack
President Rodrigo Duterte has paid a Christmas Day visit to survivors of a church grenade attack in Mindanao. Eighteen people were injured when the explosive device was thrown outside a …
Critics appalled as Duterte raises spectre of martial law
Critics have reacted with dismay after president Duterte said he wanted the constitution amended to make it easier for a president to declare martial law. Speaking in Angeles City yesterday …
The Friday Briefing: Burning bridges and building airports
It’s clear from the sheer output of stories this week that the newsrooms of the Philippines haven’t wound down for Christmas yet. As always, the words and actions of President Duterte …
Bramovich: Oy, Bono… be like James Taylor and boycott the Philippines!
Let’s talk about James Taylor’s recent decision to cancel his Philippine concert (as we recently reported here). The American singer-songwriter said the reason for his decision was the bloody and pointless war on …
Malacañan or Malacañang? 15 facts about the presidential palace
The Malacañan Palace (or should that be Malacañang? — find out later) is the most recognisable building in the Philippines. Official residence of the president, and his place of work, …
Duterte should be investigated over murder confession, says UN
The United Nations human rights commission has urged the Philippines to launch a murder investigation after President Duterte claimed he killed suspects while mayor of Davao. Since his presidency began …
Bramovich: Excuse me, Teddyboy? What did you just say?
In a backflip worthy of the nation’s president, the incoming ambassador to the United Nations has condemned both the death penalty and the war on drugs. Step forward Teddy “Teddyboy” …
Bramovich: What is Duterte’s problem with the USA? Or is he just high?
President Duterte has expressed shock and horror at the USA’s Millennium Challenge Corp’s decision to withhold aid funding, due to concerns over his bloody war on drugs. (See my recent article on …