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Raissa Robles
Raissa Robles has written for the SCMP since 1996. A freelance journalist specialising in politics, international relations, business and Muslim rebellion, she has contributed to Reuters, the Economist Intelligence Unit, Daily Mail, Times of London, Radio Netherlands and Asiaweek. She runs the award-winning investigative and opinion blog, raissarobles.com. Her book, Marcos Martial Law: Never Again, a brief history of the dictatorship won the 2017 National Book Awards for Non-Fiction. Her Twitter handle is @raissawriter.
The budget for Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s office has been slashed as she alleges an impeachment ‘plot’ against her.
Facing a hostile senate inquiry following her return to the Philippines, the former mayor accused of being a Chinese agent revealed little.
Critics of the former president say the arrest of Apollo Quiboloy is a sign the ‘Dutertes’ walls of impunity are crumbling’.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr has sought to play down the controversy, insisting his country is just the ‘selfie capital of the world’.
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The Philippines said its vessel was on a ‘peaceful and lawful’ patrol ‘within its own maritime jurisdiction’, when it was rammed on Saturday by a Chinese coastguard vessel.
Both countries sign letters of intent to strengthen engagement on disaster response and military medicine, with agreement expected by year-end.
The vice-president has been in the spotlight since she resigned in June from President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s cabinet, turning the two families’ alliance into bitter rivalry as both sides seek to strengthen their coalitions.
Marcos Jnr’s moves against the shadowy Duterte-linked Pastor Quiboloy have collided with a surging anti-graft movement demanding reform.
A book written by Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte sparked controversy after a senator questioned the use of taxpayer funds for its printing.
Decision to move the August 21 holiday a bid to downplay events leading to downfall of Marcos Snr’s dictatorship, analysts say.
Manila says it will consider agreements with Beijing to manage their air and sea encounters in the South China Sea.
The incident near the Sabina Shoal arose due to what China claimed was the Philippine coastguard’s “unprofessional and dangerous” behaviour.
Duterte-Carpio and her allies are fighting back against Marcos Jnr’s attempts to dismantle her influence, resurrect drug war charges.
The Maritime Zones Act approved by the Philippine Congress will also cast a spotlight on several South China Sea atolls occupied by Beijing.
Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra says ICC has formally asked Manila for help to interview five individuals over their role in the drug war.
The two sides reached an apparent agreement, but insiders and analysts suggest tensions could yet flare again despite the talks.
Marcos Jnr won praise for West Philippine Sea and Pogos issues, but critics say he failed to address inflation or agricultural productivity.
The Philippines is considering involving units from other countries in its regular resupply missions to a flashpoint in the South China Sea.
Marcos Jnr prepares to deliver State of the Nation Address amid strained ties with Dutertes, falling support over failure to tame inflation.
Sources say there is communication only during search and rescue operations, despite Marcos Jnr’s request last year for a new hotline.
Manila’s petition can include rules for common fishing in Scarborough Shoal lagoon to deter China’s aggressive actions, former judge says.
Some 392 pairs live in the country’s forests that are also home to indigenous communities who rely on poaching to get by.
Philippines’ Senate foreign relations chief Imee Marcos, the president’s own sister, has vowed to scrutinise ‘every word’ of the landmark deal.
The Philippine coastguard has invoked a venerated icon of the Virgin Mary to defend Manila’s maritime interests against China.
Analysts argue Beijing’s negotiations with the Philippines are being exploited to normalise China’s control over contested territory.
The findings come as the Philippine military says it will adopt new measures against China’s aggression in the maritime dispute.
Malaysia “categorically” rejects Philippines’ UN filing to extend continental shelf from Sabah, as analysts say Marcos Jnr may not push the issue.
Their churning South China Sea quarrel has now reached ‘boiling point’ – and Filipinos are demanding action.
Analysts say China’s response shows it will continue to ‘push the envelope’ despite new Philippine protocol of no firearms during resupply missions.
Analysts say the move is ‘long overdue’ and signals that the Duterte family is ready to ‘go all out’ in its feud with Marcos Jnr.
