Philippines government marked the International coastal cleanup day by opening a new stretch of the Manila Bay beach. The govt has transformed the 500m stretch of the Bay beach into an artificial sand beach. Watch the report

Philippines opens artificial white sand beach on Manila Bay

This pandemic seems to be never ending, and there is no nearby possible date of when will things get back to normal, or whether things will ever get back to normal.

From deaths to job losses, empty cities and closed borders, in the last six months, we have seen it all. We have seen scenes that we never imagined we would.

We have stayed at home for a stretch so long, we never thought we could, but we did and many people have lost jobs that they never thought they would. Many have lost their loved ones.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/customs-to-destroy-alligator-skin-bag-worth-19000-over-51-missing-permit-325182">Also read|&nbsp;Customs to destroy alligator skin bag worth $19,000 over $51 missing permit</a>

Life deals you cruel surprises but what matters is our response to these life events. It is how we react to a crisis that determines whether a crisis can make or break us.

So&nbsp;as we enter into yet another pandemic-striken weekend, we have an inspiring story for you.&nbsp;The story is of a 23-year-old woman from the Philippines.

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Her name is Mary Mae Dacanay. She lost her factory job to the coronavirus pandemic but Mary did not let the job loss bulldoze her life. She leaned on her favourite passtime — art — but the stores were closed and sourcing canvas and other art supplies was tough.

So, Mary started picking leaves from a jackfruit tree near her home and started turning them into pieces of art — leaf art.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-reopening-of-schools-during-pandemic-the-right-move-325281">Also read|&nbsp;Is reopening of schools during pandemic the right move?</a>

Before she knew it, her artwork went viral. Her Facebook page began attracting new followers and somewhere in middle of the pandemic, Mary started receiving orders for her leaf art.

Today, Mary is selling her art for upto $8 a piece (400 pesos).

This pandemic helped her monetise her hobby by turning her art into a venture and this endeavour helped her stay sane through the job loss and the pandemic.

This pandemic seems to be never ending, and there is no nearby possible date of when will things get back to normal, or whether things will ever get back to normal.

This pandemic seems to be never ending, and there is no nearby possible date of when will things get back to normal, or whether things will ever get back to normal. From deaths to job losses, empty cities and closed borders, in the last six months, we have seen it all. We have seen scenes that we never imagined we would. We have stayed at home for a stretch so long, we never thought we could, but we did and many people have lost jobs that they never thought they would. Many have lost their loved ones. Also read| Customs to destroy alligator skin bag worth $19,000 over $51 missing permit Life deals you cruel surprises but what matters is our response to these life events. It is how we react to a crisis that determines whether a crisis can make or break us. So as we enter into yet another pandemic-striken weekend, we have an inspiring story for you. The story is of a 23-year-old woman from the Philippines. × Her name is Mary Mae Dacanay. She lost her factory job to the coronavirus pandemic but Mary did not let the job loss bulldoze her life. She leaned on her favourite passtime — art — but the stores were closed and sourcing canvas and other art supplies was tough. So, Mary started picking leaves from a jackfruit tree near her home and started turning them into pieces of art — leaf art. Also read| Is reopening of schools during pandemic the right move? Before she knew it, her artwork went viral. Her Facebook page began attracting new followers and somewhere in middle of the pandemic, Mary started receiving orders for her leaf art. Today, Mary is selling her art for upto $8 a piece (400 pesos). This pandemic helped her monetise her hobby by turning her art into a venture and this endeavour helped her stay sane through the job loss and the pandemic.

Filipino girl uses leaf art to make ends meet in pandemic

When the coronavirus struck and cost Mary Mae Dacanay her factory job in the Philippines, the 23-year-old came up with a unique new source of income - turning leaves into celebrity art.

Filipino artist creates viral leaf-art portraits during coronavirus lull

Filipinos are angry with China. The label on a Chinese beauty product says 'Manila, Province of China'. Isko Moreno feels insulted. Palki Sharma Upadhyay explains why Filipinos think this was a deliberate act of China.

Gravitas: Anti-China clamour in the Philippines

The Philippines army said that two women suicide bombers who carried out the attacks on Monday were widows of militants working for the Abu Sayyaf group linked to Islamic State(IS).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twin-explosions-kill-at-least-ten-people-wound-soldiers-in-philippines-322696">Also Read:&nbsp;Twin explosions in Philippines; several dead</a>

The blast which occurred in the southern part of the country killed at last 14 people including soldiers and wounded several others in Jolo island in Sulu province.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far, however, Army chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana identified the woman bombers as Nanah and Inda Nay as the Army chief called for martial law to be imposed in Sulu.

The blast killed eight members of the security forces including six civilians with at least 75 wounded in the attack. General Sobejana said Nanah was the wife of Norman Lasuca and Inda Nay was the wife of Talha Jumsah who was a suicide bomber.

Jumsah was killed by security forces on Jolo in November last year.

Reports say authorities are checking whether Nanah was Indonesian. President Rodrigo Duterte has created a special infantry division to destroy Abu Sayyaf as the terror organization has carried out deadly attacks in the country.

The Philippines army said that two women suicide bombers who carried out the attacks on Monday were widows of militants working for the Abu Sayyaf group linked to Islamic State(IS).

The Philippines army said that two women suicide bombers who carried out the attacks on Monday were widows of militants working for the Abu Sayyaf group linked to Islamic State(IS). Also Read: Twin explosions in Philippines; several dead The blast which occurred in the southern part of the country killed at last 14 people including soldiers and wounded several others in Jolo island in Sulu province. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far, however, Army chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana identified the woman bombers as Nanah and Inda Nay as the Army chief called for martial law to be imposed in Sulu. The blast killed eight members of the security forces including six civilians with at least 75 wounded in the attack. General Sobejana said Nanah was the wife of Norman Lasuca and Inda Nay was the wife of Talha Jumsah who was a suicide bomber. Jumsah was killed by security forces on Jolo in November last year. Reports say authorities are checking whether Nanah was Indonesian. President Rodrigo Duterte has created a special infantry division to destroy Abu Sayyaf as the terror organization has carried out deadly attacks in the country.

Women suicide bombers were widows of militants linked to IS: Philippine army chief

Vietnam on Wednesday accused China of violating its sovereignty by conducting military drills in a disputed part of the South China Sea and said Beijing's actions were "complicating" negotiations on establishing a code of conduct in the region.

China this week began six days of exercises in waters near the Paracel Islands, where Vietnam has competing claims, according to the Maritime Safety Administration of Hainan, an island off China's southern coast. It was the second set of drills in the area by Beijing in two months.

"China's repeated military exercises in (the Paracel Islands) violate Vietnam's sovereignty, complicating negotiations for a Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea between China and ASEAN," foreign ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-china-sea-beijing-making-key-navy-base-in-the-disputed-territory-323247">Also read|&nbsp;South China Sea: Beijing making key navy base in the disputed territory</a>

Vietnam is this year chairing the 10-member Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), which has had long-drawn-out negotiations with Beijing over a code of conduct in the South China Sea.

China's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-making-claims-in-south-china-sea-but-we-cannot-go-to-war-says-mahathir-mohamad-to-wion-318909">Also read | China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION</a>

At a June 26 summit in Hanoi, Vietnam and the Philippines - China's most vocal challengers over the sea - warned of growing regional insecurity amid concern that Beijing was advancing territorial claims under the cover of the COVID-19 pandemic.

China claims historical jurisdiction over about 80 per cent of the sea, using a U-shaped "nine-dash line" that includes swathes of Vietnam's exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, as well as the Paracel Islands and the Spratly Islands. It also overlaps the EEZs of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Vietnam and the Philippines last month criticised China's holding of an earlier set of military drills in the area.

The United States in June also hardened its position on the South China Sea, where it has accused China of attempting to build a "maritime empire" in the potentially energy-rich waters.

Vietnam on Wednesday accused China of violating its sovereignty by conducting military drills in a disputed part of the South China Sea and said Beijing's actions were "complicating" negotiations on establishing a code of conduct in the region.

Vietnam on Wednesday accused China of violating its sovereignty by conducting military drills in a disputed part of the South China Sea and said Beijing's actions were "complicating" negotiations on establishing a code of conduct in the region. China this week began six days of exercises in waters near the Paracel Islands, where Vietnam has competing claims, according to the Maritime Safety Administration of Hainan, an island off China's southern coast. It was the second set of drills in the area by Beijing in two months. "China's repeated military exercises in (the Paracel Islands) violate Vietnam's sovereignty, complicating negotiations for a Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea between China and ASEAN," foreign ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said in a statement. Also read| South China Sea: Beijing making key navy base in the disputed territory Vietnam is this year chairing the 10-member Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), which has had long-drawn-out negotiations with Beijing over a code of conduct in the South China Sea. China's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Also read | China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION At a June 26 summit in Hanoi, Vietnam and the Philippines - China's most vocal challengers over the sea - warned of growing regional insecurity amid concern that Beijing was advancing territorial claims under the cover of the COVID-19 pandemic. China claims historical jurisdiction over about 80 per cent of the sea, using a U-shaped "nine-dash line" that includes swathes of Vietnam's exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, as well as the Paracel Islands and the Spratly Islands. It also overlaps the EEZs of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. Vietnam and the Philippines last month criticised China's holding of an earlier set of military drills in the area. The United States in June also hardened its position on the South China Sea, where it has accused China of attempting to build a "maritime empire" in the potentially energy-rich waters.

Vietnam condemns new Chinese military drills in South China Sea

Twin explosions killed at least ten people and wounded dozens of&nbsp;soldiers in a town on a restive island in the southern Philippines on Monday.

One blast took place around noon and another followed about an hour later in Jolo, the main town on Jolo island, a militarised stonghold of the Abu Sayyaf, a militant group that has pledged allegiance to Islamic State.

An initial military report said one of the blasts was cased by a homemade bomb on a motorcycle, said an army source, who could not be named because he was not authorised to speak to media.

Regional military spokesman Capt. Rex Payot and police said the blast damaged a food store, a computer shop and two army trucks at noon in Jolo town in Sulu province. An initial report said the first bomb was attached to a parked motorcycle.

The military has been waging a months-long offensive against the Abu Sayyaf, a small but violent group aligned with the Islamic State group and blacklisted by the United States and the Philippines for past bombings, ransom kidnappings and beheadings.

The number of its armed fighters have dwindled to a few hundreds in recent years due to battle setbacks and surrenders, including a key commander, Abduljihad Susukan, who gave up to authorities two weeks ago after being wounded in battle.

Susukan has been blamed for kidnappings and beheadings of hostages, including foreign tourists, and surrenders through a Muslim rebel chief, which has signed a peace deal and was cooperating with the government. He is now in police custody and faces multiple murder charges.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

(with inputs from agencies)

Twin explosions killed at least ten people and wounded dozens of soldiers in a town on a restive island in the southern Philippines on Monday. One blast took place around noon and another followed about an hour later in Jolo, the main town on Jolo island, a militarised stonghold of the Abu Sayyaf, a militant group that has pledged allegiance to Islamic State.

Twin explosions killed at least ten people and wounded dozens of soldiers in a town on a restive island in the southern Philippines on Monday. One blast took place around noon and another followed about an hour later in Jolo, the main town on Jolo island, a militarised stonghold of the Abu Sayyaf, a militant group that has pledged allegiance to Islamic State. An initial military report said one of the blasts was cased by a homemade bomb on a motorcycle, said an army source, who could not be named because he was not authorised to speak to media. Regional military spokesman Capt. Rex Payot and police said the blast damaged a food store, a computer shop and two army trucks at noon in Jolo town in Sulu province. An initial report said the first bomb was attached to a parked motorcycle. The military has been waging a months-long offensive against the Abu Sayyaf, a small but violent group aligned with the Islamic State group and blacklisted by the United States and the Philippines for past bombings, ransom kidnappings and beheadings. The number of its armed fighters have dwindled to a few hundreds in recent years due to battle setbacks and surrenders, including a key commander, Abduljihad Susukan, who gave up to authorities two weeks ago after being wounded in battle. Susukan has been blamed for kidnappings and beheadings of hostages, including foreign tourists, and surrenders through a Muslim rebel chief, which has signed a peace deal and was cooperating with the government. He is now in police custody and faces multiple murder charges. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. (with inputs from agencies)

Twin explosions kill at least ten people, wound soldiers in Philippines

The Philippines has lodged a diplomatic protest over what it said was China's ''illegal'' confiscation of fish aggregating devices from Filipino fisherman in a disputed lagoon held by Beijing in the South China Sea.

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said in a statement Thursday night that the Philippines also ''resolutely objected" to China continuing to issue radio challenges to Philippine aircraft patrolling over the disputed waters.

There was no immediate comment from Chinese officials.

The Philippine government has protested China's increasingly aggressive actions in the contested sea despite a dramatic improvement in relations under President Rodrigo Duterte, who has nurtured friendly ties with Beijing while often criticizing the United States, which has raised alarm over his deadly anti-drugs crackdown.

The Philippine foreign affairs department did not immediately provide other details on what it said was the Chinese coast guard's illegal confiscation of the fishing equipment.

The devices, locally called ''payaos,''&nbsp;were seized in May after they had been set up by Filipino fishermen in the disputed Scarborough Shoal off the northwestern Philippine province of Zambales.

China seized the shoal after a tense sea standoff in 2012, and the Philippines brought its disputes to international arbitration the following year.

The tribunal in 2016 invalidated China's claims to virtually the entire South China Sea, but Beijing continues to ignore and defy the decision.

Radio warnings by Chinese forces against Philippine air force patrol aircraft have increased around missile-protected Chinese artificial islands, Philippine officials said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has accused China of taking advantage of the intense preoccupation of governments over the pandemic to advance its territorial claims.

Last month, the US government rejected nearly all of Beijing's South China Sea claims and in effect sided with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei in each of their territorial spats with Beijing.

China responded by saying the US was trying to sow discord and was meddling in an Asian dispute to flex its muscle and incite a confrontation.

The Philippines has lodged a diplomatic protest over what it said was China's ''illegal'' confiscation of fish aggregating devices from Filipino fisherman in a disputed lagoon held by Beijing in the South China Sea.

The Philippines has lodged a diplomatic protest over what it said was China's ''illegal'' confiscation of fish aggregating devices from Filipino fisherman in a disputed lagoon held by Beijing in the South China Sea. The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said in a statement Thursday night that the Philippines also ''resolutely objected" to China continuing to issue radio challenges to Philippine aircraft patrolling over the disputed waters. There was no immediate comment from Chinese officials. The Philippine government has protested China's increasingly aggressive actions in the contested sea despite a dramatic improvement in relations under President Rodrigo Duterte, who has nurtured friendly ties with Beijing while often criticizing the United States, which has raised alarm over his deadly anti-drugs crackdown. The Philippine foreign affairs department did not immediately provide other details on what it said was the Chinese coast guard's illegal confiscation of the fishing equipment. The devices, locally called ''payaos,'' were seized in May after they had been set up by Filipino fishermen in the disputed Scarborough Shoal off the northwestern Philippine province of Zambales. China seized the shoal after a tense sea standoff in 2012, and the Philippines brought its disputes to international arbitration the following year. The tribunal in 2016 invalidated China's claims to virtually the entire South China Sea, but Beijing continues to ignore and defy the decision. Radio warnings by Chinese forces against Philippine air force patrol aircraft have increased around missile-protected Chinese artificial islands, Philippine officials said. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has accused China of taking advantage of the intense preoccupation of governments over the pandemic to advance its territorial claims. Last month, the US government rejected nearly all of Beijing's South China Sea claims and in effect sided with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei in each of their territorial spats with Beijing. China responded by saying the US was trying to sow discord and was meddling in an Asian dispute to flex its muscle and incite a confrontation.

South China Sea: Philippines protests against China's 'illicit' warnings

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck the Samar region of the eastern Philippines on Tuesday, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said, damaging some homes and property in a coastal community.

The Philippines' seismology agency said there was no risk of a tsunami from the earthquake but warned of the risk of aftershocks.

"The possibility of a stronger magnitude aftershock cannot be discounted," agency chief Renato Solidum told dZMM radio station.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/googles-new-quake-detection-system-android-phones-to-detect-earthquakes-320890">Also watch:&nbsp;Google's new quake detection system, android phones to detect earthquakes</a>

The quake struck in the sea at a depth of 30 km (18.64 miles), EMSC said.

There were no immediate reports of casualties, but Rodrigo Gonhuran, 30, a computer shop technician based near the epicentre, told Reuters it was the strongest quake he had felt in the area.

"My cabinet and other stuff at home fell down and my neighbours` walls cracked and some collapsed," he said, speaking from the town of Cataingan, which has a population of more than 50,000 people.

The Philippines, which has a population of 107 million, lies on the “Ring of Fire,” a belt of volcanoes circling the Pacific Ocean that is also prone to earthquakes.

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck the Samar region of the eastern Philippines on Tuesday, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said, damaging some homes and property in a coastal community.

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck the Samar region of the eastern Philippines on Tuesday, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said, damaging some homes and property in a coastal community. The Philippines' seismology agency said there was no risk of a tsunami from the earthquake but warned of the risk of aftershocks. "The possibility of a stronger magnitude aftershock cannot be discounted," agency chief Renato Solidum told dZMM radio station. Also watch: Google's new quake detection system, android phones to detect earthquakes The quake struck in the sea at a depth of 30 km (18.64 miles), EMSC said. There were no immediate reports of casualties, but Rodrigo Gonhuran, 30, a computer shop technician based near the epicentre, told Reuters it was the strongest quake he had felt in the area. "My cabinet and other stuff at home fell down and my neighbours` walls cracked and some collapsed," he said, speaking from the town of Cataingan, which has a population of more than 50,000 people. The Philippines, which has a population of 107 million, lies on the “Ring of Fire,” a belt of volcanoes circling the Pacific Ocean that is also prone to earthquakes.

Strong quake strikes eastern Philippines, reports of damage

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has lauded Russia's efforts to develop a coronavirus vaccine and is willing to personally participate in trials, as he welcomed a supply offer from Moscow that he expects will be free of charge.

Russia on Tuesday became the first country in the world to grant regulatory approval for a COVID-19 vaccine, paving the way for mass domestic inoculation even as the final stage of clinical trials continue.

Russia has offered to supply or co-manufacture the vaccine in the Philippines, which said it was ready to work with Moscow on trials, supply and production.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-has-developed-worlds-first-coronavirus-vaccine-putin-319696" hreflang="en">Russia has developed world's 'first' coronavirus vaccine: Putin</a>

The Philippines has among Asia's highest case numbers, which rose by 2,987 to 139,538 on Tuesday.

"I will tell President (Vladimir) Putin that I have huge trust in your studies in combating COVID and I believe that the vaccine that you have produced is really good for humanity," Duterte said late on Monday.

The global race to develop a COVID-19 vaccine has raised concern that speed and national prestige could compromise safety.

To allay public fears, Duterte offered to be a guinea pig and said: "I can be the first they can experiment on."

In July, he made a plea to his Chinese counterpart to make the Philippines a priority if it develops a vaccine, amid concern in developing countries about availability.

He has restored a strict lockdown in and around the capital Manila as medical frontliners sought a "timeout" to control surging infections.

Speaking on Monday, when a record 6,958 new infections were reported, Duterte said he would deploy soldiers to enforce the lockdown if the situation becomes a "runaway contagion".

The lockdown has been among the world's longest and toughest and Duterte's opponents and rights groups have voiced concern about his security-centred approach and the conduct of police.

Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday said a comprehensive health-centred strategy should be adopted urgently, otherwise "our health infrastructure could collapse".

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has lauded Russia's efforts to develop a coronavirus vaccine and is willing to personally participate in trials, as he welcomed a supply offer from Moscow that he expects will be free of charge.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has lauded Russia's efforts to develop a coronavirus vaccine and is willing to personally participate in trials, as he welcomed a supply offer from Moscow that he expects will be free of charge. Russia on Tuesday became the first country in the world to grant regulatory approval for a COVID-19 vaccine, paving the way for mass domestic inoculation even as the final stage of clinical trials continue. Russia has offered to supply or co-manufacture the vaccine in the Philippines, which said it was ready to work with Moscow on trials, supply and production. Also read: Russia has developed world's 'first' coronavirus vaccine: Putin The Philippines has among Asia's highest case numbers, which rose by 2,987 to 139,538 on Tuesday. "I will tell President (Vladimir) Putin that I have huge trust in your studies in combating COVID and I believe that the vaccine that you have produced is really good for humanity," Duterte said late on Monday. The global race to develop a COVID-19 vaccine has raised concern that speed and national prestige could compromise safety. To allay public fears, Duterte offered to be a guinea pig and said: "I can be the first they can experiment on." In July, he made a plea to his Chinese counterpart to make the Philippines a priority if it develops a vaccine, amid concern in developing countries about availability. He has restored a strict lockdown in and around the capital Manila as medical frontliners sought a "timeout" to control surging infections. Speaking on Monday, when a record 6,958 new infections were reported, Duterte said he would deploy soldiers to enforce the lockdown if the situation becomes a "runaway contagion". The lockdown has been among the world's longest and toughest and Duterte's opponents and rights groups have voiced concern about his security-centred approach and the conduct of police. Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday said a comprehensive health-centred strategy should be adopted urgently, otherwise "our health infrastructure could collapse".

Philippines' Duterte has 'huge trust' in Russia vaccine, volunteers for trial

In the Philippines, people are getting arrested without any charges under a new anti-terrorism law. Now, the Philippines govt has denied giving a new license to the biggest news network in the country. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: End of democracy in the Philippines?

People from the Philippines were stranded at a stadium in their own country. They were brought to the&nbsp;stadium to be tested for novel coronavirus, but they were&nbsp;stuck there for weeks.

"What I really want is for us to be able to go home. It's really hard here. We are exposed to many people and there is a tendency that we can get sick if we stay here longer," Ricky Yakit, former restaurant worker, said.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-president-rodrigo-duterte-tells-poor-to-clean-masks-with-petrol-317303">Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte tells poor to 'clean masks with petrol'</a>

Outside this sports complex in Manila, thousands of others were breaking social distancing norms, but for a cause, against a controversial anti-terrorism law.&nbsp;A law that could jail suspects without any charge for weeks.&nbsp;

"It's important that the people show their defiance. It is important to show that Filipinos should not accept any repression or restrictions by the government against our democracy and our rights," Leon Dulce, a protestor said.&nbsp;

Not very far away from the site of these protests, another emotional demonstration has been underway for days.

Employees of the Philippines' largest news network ABS-CBN are protesting as the organisation has been shut down by the government.&nbsp;

All the journalists of this network lost their jobs as it was highly critical of President Rodrigo Duterte.&nbsp;

"This attack on legitimate media, together with the recently passed Anti-Terror law is a throwback in the time of autocratic rule under Marcos (President Ferdinand Marcos). Citizens, you have been warned: your civil liberties have been eroded. Your democracy is shrinking fast," Fernando Sepe, Jr., ABS-CBN employee said.&nbsp;

Duterte's policies during the&nbsp;pandemic has been&nbsp;pushing his country towards authoritarianism.&nbsp;The Philippines president has increased his attacks on critics, deployed more police officials on the streets and reduced discussions on his policies in the Parliament.&nbsp;

Duterte recently ordered the police to raid houses and forcefully test people for coronavirus infections and is threatening to jail anyone who doesn't comply.&nbsp;

Human rights groups say the police officers will empower abusive officers, who are already waging a bloody war on drugs.&nbsp;Since 2016, 600 narcotic users and deals have been killed in Duterte's war on drugs.&nbsp;Now, the president plans on treating hidden coronavirus patients the way as drug dealers.&nbsp;

Also, Duterte is peddling bizarre methods for the poor to avoid contracting the virus.&nbsp;

"What I said is true. Alcohol, if alcohol is not available, especially for the poor, just go to the gasoline station and pour drops of gasoline in your hands. That is disinfectant," he said.

"If there's nothing else, this is what you do.

It becomes clear that Duterte is drunk with power and now making his countrymen dance to his tunes.&nbsp;

People from the Philippines were stranded at a stadium in their own country. They were brought to the stadium to be tested for novel coronavirus, but they were stuck there for weeks.

People from the Philippines were stranded at a stadium in their own country. They were brought to the stadium to be tested for novel coronavirus, but they were stuck there for weeks. "What I really want is for us to be able to go home. It's really hard here. We are exposed to many people and there is a tendency that we can get sick if we stay here longer," Ricky Yakit, former restaurant worker, said. Watch | Also read | Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte tells poor to 'clean masks with petrol' Outside this sports complex in Manila, thousands of others were breaking social distancing norms, but for a cause, against a controversial anti-terrorism law. A law that could jail suspects without any charge for weeks. "It's important that the people show their defiance. It is important to show that Filipinos should not accept any repression or restrictions by the government against our democracy and our rights," Leon Dulce, a protestor said. Not very far away from the site of these protests, another emotional demonstration has been underway for days. Employees of the Philippines' largest news network ABS-CBN are protesting as the organisation has been shut down by the government. All the journalists of this network lost their jobs as it was highly critical of President Rodrigo Duterte. "This attack on legitimate media, together with the recently passed Anti-Terror law is a throwback in the time of autocratic rule under Marcos (President Ferdinand Marcos). Citizens, you have been warned: your civil liberties have been eroded. Your democracy is shrinking fast," Fernando Sepe, Jr., ABS-CBN employee said. Duterte's policies during the pandemic has been pushing his country towards authoritarianism. The Philippines president has increased his attacks on critics, deployed more police officials on the streets and reduced discussions on his policies in the Parliament. Duterte recently ordered the police to raid houses and forcefully test people for coronavirus infections and is threatening to jail anyone who doesn't comply. Human rights groups say the police officers will empower abusive officers, who are already waging a bloody war on drugs. Since 2016, 600 narcotic users and deals have been killed in Duterte's war on drugs. Now, the president plans on treating hidden coronavirus patients the way as drug dealers. Also, Duterte is peddling bizarre methods for the poor to avoid contracting the virus. "What I said is true. Alcohol, if alcohol is not available, especially for the poor, just go to the gasoline station and pour drops of gasoline in your hands. That is disinfectant," he said. "If there's nothing else, this is what you do. It becomes clear that Duterte is drunk with power and now making his countrymen dance to his tunes.

President Rodrigo Duterte pushes bizarre authoritarian measures in Philippines amid pandemic

Philippines President Rodrigo&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;on Thursday told the poor to use gasoline as "disinfectant", amid soaring number of new coronavirus infections in the country.

The mercurial leader reiterated his statement from last week on the use of gasoline for those without access to alcohol. Following his previous comment,&nbsp;Duterte's spokesman had claimed he was simply making a joke.

"What I said is true,"&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;said in the televised recording released to the media on Friday.

"If alcohol is not available, especially for the poor, just go to the gasoline station and pour drops of gasoline in your hands. That is disinfectant." He also sprayed alcohol in his mouth and grimaced, during the address.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-philippines-president-duterte-is-playing-into-the-hands-of-xis-china-304890">How Philippines President Duterte is playing into the hands of Xi's China</a>

Duterte&nbsp;on Friday kept coronavirus restrictions in the capital and other provinces until mid-August to contain the spread of the virus, which has infected nearly 90,000 and killed almost 2,000 people in the Philippines.

In a wide-ranging State of the Nation address,&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;also admitted the government's response to the coronavirus epidemic had been "far from perfect".

Duterte&nbsp;had been expected to use the annual speech to lawmakers to lay out a roadmap for recovery after the economy contracted with millions of jobs lost during more than four months of a nationwide lockdown.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday told the poor to use gasoline as "disinfectant", amid soaring number of new coronavirus infections in the country.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday told the poor to use gasoline as "disinfectant", amid soaring number of new coronavirus infections in the country. The mercurial leader reiterated his statement from last week on the use of gasoline for those without access to alcohol. Following his previous comment, Duterte's spokesman had claimed he was simply making a joke. "What I said is true," Duterte said in the televised recording released to the media on Friday. "If alcohol is not available, especially for the poor, just go to the gasoline station and pour drops of gasoline in your hands. That is disinfectant." He also sprayed alcohol in his mouth and grimaced, during the address. Also read: How Philippines President Duterte is playing into the hands of Xi's China Duterte on Friday kept coronavirus restrictions in the capital and other provinces until mid-August to contain the spread of the virus, which has infected nearly 90,000 and killed almost 2,000 people in the Philippines. In a wide-ranging State of the Nation address, Duterte also admitted the government's response to the coronavirus epidemic had been "far from perfect". Duterte had been expected to use the annual speech to lawmakers to lay out a roadmap for recovery after the economy contracted with millions of jobs lost during more than four months of a nationwide lockdown.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte tells poor to 'clean masks with petrol'

The years-long dispute over the&nbsp;Malaysian state of Sabah, on the island of Borneo, has been revived again by a top diplomat of the Philippines.

The Twitter debate started when the US embassy in the Philippines tweeted a reply to the USADI Philippines.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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.<a href="https://twitter.com/usaid_manila?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@usaid_manila</a> donated 500 hygiene kits to the <a href="https://twitter.com/dswdserves?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dswdserves</a> Region IX for use by returning Filipino repatriates from Sabah, Malaysia who arrived in Zamboanga City and Bongao, Tawi Tawi. <a href="https://t.co/SdnDPkcaV2">https://t.co/SdnDPkcaV2</a> <a href="https://t.co/0Yfagr8quK">pic.twitter.com/0Yfagr8quK</a>
— U.S. Embassy in the Philippines (@USEmbassyPH) <a href="https://twitter.com/USEmbassyPH/status/1287711922259984384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jnr took to twitter to reply to this tweet and replied, "Sabah is not in Malaysia if you want to have anything to do with the Philippines."

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Sabah is not in Malaysia if you want to have anything to do with the Philippines. <a href="https://t.co/dWZs1gsndE">https://t.co/dWZs1gsndE</a>
— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) <a href="https://twitter.com/teddyboylocsin/status/1287717011427033088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The tweet was not appreciated by the masses, especially the Malaysian Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein who announced on Twitter that he would&nbsp;summon the Philippine ambassador on Monday in response to his Locsin's tweet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-former-pm-najib-razak-found-guilty-on-a-charge-of-abuse-of-power-316416">Also read:&nbsp;Malaysia's former PM Najib Razak found guilty on a charge of abuse of power</a>

“This is an irresponsible statement that affects bilateral ties,” Hishammuddin said. “Sabah is, and will always be, part of Malaysia.”

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This is an irresponsible statement that affects bilateral ties. <a href="https://twitter.com/MalaysiaMFA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MalaysiaMFA</a> will summon the Philippines Ambassador on Monday to explain. Sabah is, and will always be, part of Malaysia. <a href="https://t.co/KcUnDxOySl">https://t.co/KcUnDxOySl</a>
— Hishammuddin Hussein 🇲🇾 (@HishammuddinH2O) <a href="https://twitter.com/HishammuddinH2O/status/1288455932653887489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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“No country can tell another what it can and cannot say about what the latter regards as rightfully its own,” he said on Twitter. “I am summoning the Malaysian ambassador.”

For more than six decades, Sabah has been a point of debate between the two countries.

Explaining his statement, Locsin cleared by saying that&nbsp;he did not ask&nbsp;on China retracting its statements concerning the Philippines’ arbitral award over its waters in the South China Sea. “It is free to say what it wants while we say and do what needs doing. That holds for Sabah,” he said.

Back in 1878, the sultans of the state of Sulu, who ruled Sabah signed an agreement in which they handed over the territory to British colonialists. However, the Philippines argue that the deal was of a lease, and not a full cession of the territory to them. After World War II, the Borneo state fell under British control and joined the Malaysian federation in 1963.

While the debate of claim on Sabah has been going on since decades, it was back in 2013 when hundreds of&nbsp;Filipino followers&nbsp;claim sovereignty claiming to be descendants of Sulu empire.

The years-long dispute over the Malaysian state of Sabah, on the island of Borneo, has been revived again by a top diplomat of the Philippines. The Twitter debate started when the US embassy in the Philippines tweeted a reply to the USADI Philippines.

The years-long dispute over the Malaysian state of Sabah, on the island of Borneo, has been revived again by a top diplomat of the Philippines. The Twitter debate started when the US embassy in the Philippines tweeted a reply to the USADI Philippines. .@usaid_manila donated 500 hygiene kits to the @dswdserves Region IX for use by returning Filipino repatriates from Sabah, Malaysia who arrived in Zamboanga City and Bongao, Tawi Tawi. https://t.co/SdnDPkcaV2 pic.twitter.com/0Yfagr8quK — U.S. Embassy in the Philippines (@USEmbassyPH) July 27, 2020 × The Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jnr took to twitter to reply to this tweet and replied, "Sabah is not in Malaysia if you want to have anything to do with the Philippines." Sabah is not in Malaysia if you want to have anything to do with the Philippines. https://t.co/dWZs1gsndE — Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) July 27, 2020 × The tweet was not appreciated by the masses, especially the Malaysian Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein who announced on Twitter that he would summon the Philippine ambassador on Monday in response to his Locsin's tweet. Also read: Malaysia's former PM Najib Razak found guilty on a charge of abuse of power “This is an irresponsible statement that affects bilateral ties,” Hishammuddin said. “Sabah is, and will always be, part of Malaysia.” This is an irresponsible statement that affects bilateral ties. @MalaysiaMFA will summon the Philippines Ambassador on Monday to explain. Sabah is, and will always be, part of Malaysia. https://t.co/KcUnDxOySl — Hishammuddin Hussein 🇲🇾 (@HishammuddinH2O) July 29, 2020 × “No country can tell another what it can and cannot say about what the latter regards as rightfully its own,” he said on Twitter. “I am summoning the Malaysian ambassador.” For more than six decades, Sabah has been a point of debate between the two countries. Explaining his statement, Locsin cleared by saying that he did not ask on China retracting its statements concerning the Philippines’ arbitral award over its waters in the South China Sea. “It is free to say what it wants while we say and do what needs doing. That holds for Sabah,” he said. Back in 1878, the sultans of the state of Sulu, who ruled Sabah signed an agreement in which they handed over the territory to British colonialists. However, the Philippines argue that the deal was of a lease, and not a full cession of the territory to them. After World War II, the Borneo state fell under British control and joined the Malaysian federation in 1963. While the debate of claim on Sabah has been going on since decades, it was back in 2013 when hundreds of Filipino followers claim sovereignty claiming to be descendants of Sulu empire.

Philippines, Malaysia revive decades-long dispute on Twitter over ownership of Sabah

he Department of Health (DOH) said in its Monday case bulletin that the 1,657 additional cases were reported

Philippines reports over 1,600 new coronavirus cases

Maria Ressa, a journalist who runs a Philippine news website known for its tough scrutiny of President Rodrigo Duterte, pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to tax evasion charges in a case she has described as a form of harassment.&nbsp;

Ressa, a Time Magazine Person of the Year in 2018 for fighting media intimidation, is facing several government lawsuits that have caused international concern about harassment of journalists in the Philippines, a country long seen as a standard bearer for press freedom in Asia.&nbsp;

Ressa, 56, who is chief executive of the news site Rappler, was convicted of libel last month and sentenced to up to six year in prison, a ruling widely seen as a blow to democratic freedoms under Duterte's increasingly popular authoritarianism. She was freed on bail.

Rappler has repeatedly challenged the accuracy of Duterte's public statements and his justification for his controversial foreign policy.

It has also reported on alleged atrocities in his war on drugs and probed what it says are massive, state-orchestrated social media hate campaigns against Duterte's critics.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/duterte-critic-journalist-maria-ressa-found-guilty-in-philippines-cyber-libel-case-305887" hreflang="en">Duterte-critic journalist Maria Ressa found guilty in Philippines cyber libel case</a>

Duterte has publicly lashed out at Rappler, calling it a "fake news outlet" sponsored by American spies.&nbsp;

Ressa's latest court appearance is over accusations Rappler falsified tax returns by omitting the proceeds of a sale of depositary receipts to foreign investors, which later became the securities regulator's basis to revoke its license.&nbsp;

Ressa, a dual U.S.-Filipino citizen, said in a tweet on Wednesday: "pleaded NOT GUILTY".&nbsp;

The securities regulator alleged it was a scheme by Rappler to allow foreigners to illegally own shares in a domestic media firm.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/philippines-arrests-president-duterte-critic-journalist-maria-ressa-on-libel-charge-197186" hreflang="en">Philippines arrests Duterte critic, journalist Maria Ressa, on libel charge</a>

Rappler, a startup, has maintained foreigners never owned shares, but were allowed to invest without voting rights or involvement in operations. Rappler is still operating pending its appeal against its license being revoked.

Media watchdogs and human rights activists say the charges against Ressa are part of a broader strategy to silence or humiliate opponents of Duterte.

Earlier this month, his allies in Congress voted overwhelmingly in favour of denying top broadcaster ABS-CBN's bid to renew its 25-year license, an outcome that Duterte had repeatedly promised would happen because of its refusal to air some of his election campaign commercials.&nbsp;

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque says Duterte supports freedom of speech and any media facing legal cases are for breaking the law, not for their reporting.

Maria Ressa, a journalist who runs a Philippine news website known for its tough scrutiny of President Rodrigo Duterte, pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to tax evasion charges in a case she has described as a form of harassment.

Maria Ressa, a journalist who runs a Philippine news website known for its tough scrutiny of President Rodrigo Duterte, pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to tax evasion charges in a case she has described as a form of harassment. Ressa, a Time Magazine Person of the Year in 2018 for fighting media intimidation, is facing several government lawsuits that have caused international concern about harassment of journalists in the Philippines, a country long seen as a standard bearer for press freedom in Asia. Ressa, 56, who is chief executive of the news site Rappler, was convicted of libel last month and sentenced to up to six year in prison, a ruling widely seen as a blow to democratic freedoms under Duterte's increasingly popular authoritarianism. She was freed on bail. Rappler has repeatedly challenged the accuracy of Duterte's public statements and his justification for his controversial foreign policy. It has also reported on alleged atrocities in his war on drugs and probed what it says are massive, state-orchestrated social media hate campaigns against Duterte's critics. Also read: Duterte-critic journalist Maria Ressa found guilty in Philippines cyber libel case Duterte has publicly lashed out at Rappler, calling it a "fake news outlet" sponsored by American spies. Ressa's latest court appearance is over accusations Rappler falsified tax returns by omitting the proceeds of a sale of depositary receipts to foreign investors, which later became the securities regulator's basis to revoke its license. Ressa, a dual U.S.-Filipino citizen, said in a tweet on Wednesday: "pleaded NOT GUILTY". The securities regulator alleged it was a scheme by Rappler to allow foreigners to illegally own shares in a domestic media firm. Also read: Philippines arrests Duterte critic, journalist Maria Ressa, on libel charge Rappler, a startup, has maintained foreigners never owned shares, but were allowed to invest without voting rights or involvement in operations. Rappler is still operating pending its appeal against its license being revoked. Media watchdogs and human rights activists say the charges against Ressa are part of a broader strategy to silence or humiliate opponents of Duterte. Earlier this month, his allies in Congress voted overwhelmingly in favour of denying top broadcaster ABS-CBN's bid to renew its 25-year license, an outcome that Duterte had repeatedly promised would happen because of its refusal to air some of his election campaign commercials. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque says Duterte supports freedom of speech and any media facing legal cases are for breaking the law, not for their reporting.

Philippine journalist Maria Ressa denies tax evasion charges

The Philippines said on Tuesday it would ramp up testing for the novel coronavirus amid a sharp rise in infections and deaths since a lockdown was eased in June, while President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to arrest anyone not wearing a mask.

The government aimed to test 32,000 to 40,000 people a day compared with the current 20,000 to 23,000, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said in a televised meeeting with Duterte.&nbsp;

The Philippines has tested nearly 1.1 million people so far, but Duque said the aim was for 10 million people - or nearly a tenth of the population - to be tested by the second quarter of next year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/coronavirus-lockdown-could-lead-to-highest-births-in-philippines-in-two-decades-309355" hreflang="en">Coronavirus lockdown could lead to highest births in Philippines in two decades</a>

"We cannot test every citizen as no country has done it even the richest, the United States," Duque said.&nbsp;

In Southeast Asia, the Philippines ranks second to Indonesia in terms of the number of infections and deaths, with cases jumping nearly four-fold to 68,898 and deaths nearly doubling to 1,835 since the government relaxed lockdown measures in June.

Lockdowns have been reimposed in some of the hardest-hit areas.

Of 30 countries most impacted by the pandemic, the Philippines ranked 24th in terms of testing rate, data from statistics aggregator Statista showed.&nbsp;

Duterte threatened to arrest anyone who spread the virus, refused to wear masks or keep a safe distance from others. The tough-talking president warned in April that violators of lockdown rules could be shot for causing trouble.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/duterte-critic-journalist-maria-ressa-found-guilty-in-philippines-cyber-libel-case-305887" hreflang="en">Duterte-critic journalist Maria Ressa found guilty in Philippines cyber libel case</a>

"We do not have any qualms in arresting people," Duterte said in a recorded address aired on Tuesday. It was a "serious crime" to spread the COVID-19 respiratory disease, he added.

"If you are brought to the police station and detained there, that would give you a lesson for all time," he said of anyone caught not wearing a mask.

Last week, officials said health workers and police would take patients with mild or no symptoms from their homes and place them in isolation centres, raising concerns about possible human rights violations.

The Philippines said on Tuesday it would ramp up testing for the novel coronavirus amid a sharp rise in infections and deaths since a lockdown was eased in June, while President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to arrest anyone not wearing a mask.

The Philippines said on Tuesday it would ramp up testing for the novel coronavirus amid a sharp rise in infections and deaths since a lockdown was eased in June, while President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to arrest anyone not wearing a mask. The government aimed to test 32,000 to 40,000 people a day compared with the current 20,000 to 23,000, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said in a televised meeeting with Duterte. The Philippines has tested nearly 1.1 million people so far, but Duque said the aim was for 10 million people - or nearly a tenth of the population - to be tested by the second quarter of next year. Also read: Coronavirus lockdown could lead to highest births in Philippines in two decades "We cannot test every citizen as no country has done it even the richest, the United States," Duque said. In Southeast Asia, the Philippines ranks second to Indonesia in terms of the number of infections and deaths, with cases jumping nearly four-fold to 68,898 and deaths nearly doubling to 1,835 since the government relaxed lockdown measures in June. Lockdowns have been reimposed in some of the hardest-hit areas. Of 30 countries most impacted by the pandemic, the Philippines ranked 24th in terms of testing rate, data from statistics aggregator Statista showed. Duterte threatened to arrest anyone who spread the virus, refused to wear masks or keep a safe distance from others. The tough-talking president warned in April that violators of lockdown rules could be shot for causing trouble. Also read: Duterte-critic journalist Maria Ressa found guilty in Philippines cyber libel case "We do not have any qualms in arresting people," Duterte said in a recorded address aired on Tuesday. It was a "serious crime" to spread the COVID-19 respiratory disease, he added. "If you are brought to the police station and detained there, that would give you a lesson for all time," he said of anyone caught not wearing a mask. Last week, officials said health workers and police would take patients with mild or no symptoms from their homes and place them in isolation centres, raising concerns about possible human rights violations.

Philippines to ramp up coronavirus testing as Duterte warns of arrests

German payment group Wirecard recently announced that&nbsp;1.9 billion Euros ($2.13 billion) earlier counted in foreign accounts "was never there". While this information came as a big shock, the latest developments in the case are even more shocking.

It has now been announced on Saturday by&nbsp;Philippines Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra that&nbsp;Wirecard's former chief operating officer Jan Marsalek did not arrive on the island, as it was earlier documented.

It has been revealed that the immigration documents for Marsalek entering&nbsp;in the Philippines on June 23 and departing for China the next day were falsified.

The officials who are suspects of falsifying this information have been fired from the job and are under investigation, as of now.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/total-disaster-after-germanys-wirecard-claims-21b-was-never-there-307680">Also read:&nbsp;'Total disaster' after Germany's Wirecard claims $2.1b was 'never there'</a>

"The investigation has now turned to persons who made the false entries in the database, their motives and their cohorts," Guevarra told reporters.

However, he added, "Notwithstanding the Bureau of Immigration report, I do not totally discount the possibility that Marsalek may be in the Philippines. We are an island country, and there are backdoors through which undocumented foreigners may slip through," he said.

Marsalek has an arrest warrant issued on his name, but he has been in hiding since the day the warrant was issued. Warrants were issued against ex-CEO Markus Braun and Marsalek on June 22. While Braun turned himself in that day, Marsalek disappeared without a trace and has not made any known contact since then.

The warrants have been issued for the investigation against the&nbsp;missing money and the alleged global fraud that took place through Wirecard.

Marsalek's lawyer has declined all requests for comment.

German payment group Wirecard recently announced that 1.9 billion Euros ($2.13 billion) earlier counted in foreign accounts "was never there". While this information came as a big shock, the latest developments in the case are even more shocking.

German payment group Wirecard recently announced that 1.9 billion Euros ($2.13 billion) earlier counted in foreign accounts "was never there". While this information came as a big shock, the latest developments in the case are even more shocking. It has now been announced on Saturday by Philippines Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra that Wirecard's former chief operating officer Jan Marsalek did not arrive on the island, as it was earlier documented. It has been revealed that the immigration documents for Marsalek entering in the Philippines on June 23 and departing for China the next day were falsified. The officials who are suspects of falsifying this information have been fired from the job and are under investigation, as of now. Also read: 'Total disaster' after Germany's Wirecard claims $2.1b was 'never there' "The investigation has now turned to persons who made the false entries in the database, their motives and their cohorts," Guevarra told reporters. However, he added, "Notwithstanding the Bureau of Immigration report, I do not totally discount the possibility that Marsalek may be in the Philippines. We are an island country, and there are backdoors through which undocumented foreigners may slip through," he said. Marsalek has an arrest warrant issued on his name, but he has been in hiding since the day the warrant was issued. Warrants were issued against ex-CEO Markus Braun and Marsalek on June 22. While Braun turned himself in that day, Marsalek disappeared without a trace and has not made any known contact since then. The warrants have been issued for the investigation against the missing money and the alleged global fraud that took place through Wirecard. Marsalek's lawyer has declined all requests for comment.

Wirecard fraud: Ex-COO Marsalek's immigration papers in Philippines were faked

The Philippines, which was under one of the longest lockdowns in the world, could see more than 200,000 births next year, largely due to unplanned pregnancies in the lockdowns and shortages of contraceptives.

The projections by the University of the Philippines Population Institute and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), claim 214,000 more babies to be born next year, and if held true would be country's highest in over two decades.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-terrorism-bill-as-urgent-as-pandemic-council-defends-philippines-president-305602">Anti-terrorism bill as urgent as pandemic: Council defends Philippines President</a>

Health workers say that movement restrictions imposed in March prevented both patients and medical personnel from reaching clinics for months, and are now leading to shortages in the supply of condoms and other contraceptives in the region.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/children-will-not-go-to-schools-till-vaccine-is-available-philippines-304245">Children will not go to schools till vaccine is available: Philippines</a>

Nandy Senoc, executive director of the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP) said that despite their staff continued offering services, all work has been negatively affected. He said that government facilities were opened, but were inaccessible, reported The Guardian.

The supply of contraceptives was also scarcely available, especially in island provinces and rural areas far from the capital city.&nbsp;

The lockdown restrictions have been eased, but family planning organisations still are operating with skeletal staff to promote social distancing.&nbsp;

Rocelle Casilla, a doctor at a rural hospital in La Union province in the northern Philippines, said many of her patients could not get contraceptives that were due because of the lockdown.&nbsp;

"Women here prefer the injectable contraceptives, which protect them for three months. Many of those who were due for new injections in April, during the hard lockdown, only came to us this month," Casilla said.

The Philippines, which was under one of the longest lockdowns in the world, could see more than 200,000 births next year, largely due to unplanned pregnancies in the lockdowns and shortages of contraceptives.

The Philippines, which was under one of the longest lockdowns in the world, could see more than 200,000 births next year, largely due to unplanned pregnancies in the lockdowns and shortages of contraceptives. The projections by the University of the Philippines Population Institute and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), claim 214,000 more babies to be born next year, and if held true would be country's highest in over two decades. Also read | Anti-terrorism bill as urgent as pandemic: Council defends Philippines President Health workers say that movement restrictions imposed in March prevented both patients and medical personnel from reaching clinics for months, and are now leading to shortages in the supply of condoms and other contraceptives in the region. Also read | Children will not go to schools till vaccine is available: Philippines Nandy Senoc, executive director of the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP) said that despite their staff continued offering services, all work has been negatively affected. He said that government facilities were opened, but were inaccessible, reported The Guardian. The supply of contraceptives was also scarcely available, especially in island provinces and rural areas far from the capital city. The lockdown restrictions have been eased, but family planning organisations still are operating with skeletal staff to promote social distancing. Rocelle Casilla, a doctor at a rural hospital in La Union province in the northern Philippines, said many of her patients could not get contraceptives that were due because of the lockdown. "Women here prefer the injectable contraceptives, which protect them for three months. Many of those who were due for new injections in April, during the hard lockdown, only came to us this month," Casilla said.

Coronavirus lockdown could lead to highest births in Philippines in two decades

Inspired by the ghouls and monsters he usually encounters in his line of work, Filipino prosthetic makeup artist Rene Abelardo is warding off the coronavirus with style.

Philippine SFX makeup artist wards off virus with horror-inspired masks

The lockdown in Manila, which was one of the world's longest and strictest, was relaxed on June 1 to reduce the economic damage of the pandemic. Restaurants in the capital on Monday (June 15) were allowed to reopen their dine-in services, provided they allow only a 30 percent seating capacity and adhere to strict health protocols inside the establishments.

Partial dine-in services resume in Philippine capital amid lockdown ease

High-profile Philippine journalist Maria Ressa was found guilty on Monday in a cyber libel case that press freedom advocates have branded a ploy to silence critics of President Rodrigo Duterte.

High-profile Philippine journalist Maria Ressa was found guilty on Monday in a cyber libel case that press freedom advocates have branded a ploy to silence critics of President Rodrigo Duterte. Also read: Philippines announces libel charge against critical journalist The verdict was handed down in a Manila courtroom against Ressa, who heads the news site Rappler. According to reports, Ressa will be allowed to post bail. Rappler has drawn the administration's ire since publishing reports critical of Duterte's signature anti-drug crackdown that has killed thousands of alleged users and pushers since 2016. She denied the charges, and claimed they were politically motivated. Also read: Philippine journalist released on bail after criticising Duterte government A former CNN journalist, Ms Ressa founded Rappler in 2012 and the news organisation has become a critic of the Duterte administration - and its brutal war on drugs. Ressa was named Time Magazine "Person of the Year" in 2018 for her journalistic work.

Duterte-critic journalist Maria Ressa found guilty in Philippines cyber libel case

Journalist Maria Ressa's libel conviction on Monday has raised fresh concerns about press freedom under Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who has a history of clashing with the media. 
 
Here are some notable confrontations:

'Shameless' Inquirer 
The Philippine Daily Inquirer is one of the nation's top publications and brands itself as delivering "balanced news, fearless views". 
 
When Duterte launched his deadly crackdown on narcotics in 2016, the paper covered it extensively and published editorials sharply critical of the killings.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/duterte-critic-journalist-maria-ressa-found-guilty-in-philippines-cyber-libel-case-305887" hreflang="en">Duterte-critic journalist Maria Ressa found guilty in Philippines cyber libel case</a> 
 
Duterte repeatedly attacked the paper in speeches -- at one point branding the Inquirer and the nation's top broadcaster ABS-CBN as "shameless... those sons of whore journalists". 
 
Months later the paper's owners ended up in talks to sell to a powerful businessman and Duterte-backer, though the deal would later fall through.

ABS-CBN shutdown 
The nation's top broadcaster ABS-CBN was forced off the air in May after years of threats by Duterte to shut down the network. 
 
Early in his term Duterte accused the network of failing to air his 2016 campaign adverts and not returning the payments, and singled it out for ire in his speeches. 
 
"I'm sorry. You're out. I will see to it that you're out," Duterte said in December. 
 
The president's spokesman has said he is "completely neutral" on the legislature granting the network a new licence to operate.

Reporters 'not exempted' from killing 
Duterte sparked outrage when he endorsed the killing of corrupt journalists as president-elect in 2016, saying "You're not exempted from assassination". 
 
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines described the comments as "appalling" in a nation that is one of the most dangerous for reporters. 
 
One of the world's deadliest attacks against journalists took place in the Philippines in 2009, when 32 journalists were among 58 people killed by a warlord clan intent on stopping a rival's election challenge.

Wolf-whistle 
While still president-elect, Duterte wolf-whistled at a woman journalist during a nationally televised press conference, sparking criticism from rights groups and the press. 
 
He interrupted a question from reporter Mariz Umali before whistling and breaking into a short serenade. 
 
While Umali subsequently sought to play down the controversy, her husband, also a journalist, had words for Duterte. 
 
"Catcalling my wife is wrong in so many levels," husband Raffy Tima wrote on Facebook.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Journalist Maria Ressa's libel conviction on Monday has raised fresh concerns about press freedom under Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who has a history of clashing with the media.

Journalist Maria Ressa's libel conviction on Monday has raised fresh concerns about press freedom under Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who has a history of clashing with the media. Here are some notable confrontations: 'Shameless' Inquirer The Philippine Daily Inquirer is one of the nation's top publications and brands itself as delivering "balanced news, fearless views". When Duterte launched his deadly crackdown on narcotics in 2016, the paper covered it extensively and published editorials sharply critical of the killings. Also read: Duterte-critic journalist Maria Ressa found guilty in Philippines cyber libel case Duterte repeatedly attacked the paper in speeches -- at one point branding the Inquirer and the nation's top broadcaster ABS-CBN as "shameless... those sons of whore journalists". Months later the paper's owners ended up in talks to sell to a powerful businessman and Duterte-backer, though the deal would later fall through. ABS-CBN shutdown The nation's top broadcaster ABS-CBN was forced off the air in May after years of threats by Duterte to shut down the network. Early in his term Duterte accused the network of failing to air his 2016 campaign adverts and not returning the payments, and singled it out for ire in his speeches. "I'm sorry. You're out. I will see to it that you're out," Duterte said in December. The president's spokesman has said he is "completely neutral" on the legislature granting the network a new licence to operate. Reporters 'not exempted' from killing Duterte sparked outrage when he endorsed the killing of corrupt journalists as president-elect in 2016, saying "You're not exempted from assassination". The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines described the comments as "appalling" in a nation that is one of the most dangerous for reporters. One of the world's deadliest attacks against journalists took place in the Philippines in 2009, when 32 journalists were among 58 people killed by a warlord clan intent on stopping a rival's election challenge. Wolf-whistle While still president-elect, Duterte wolf-whistled at a woman journalist during a nationally televised press conference, sparking criticism from rights groups and the press. He interrupted a question from reporter Mariz Umali before whistling and breaking into a short serenade. While Umali subsequently sought to play down the controversy, her husband, also a journalist, had words for Duterte. "Catcalling my wife is wrong in so many levels," husband Raffy Tima wrote on Facebook.

Duterte's history of clashes with Philippine media

Philippines Navy Chief Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo has expressed gratitude to the Indian Navy for its "invaluable assistance" for helping out one of its navy ship after a fire broke out in engine room which injured two Philippines navy personnel.

Philippines Navy Chief expresses gratitude to Indian Navy Chief

The&nbsp;anti-money laundering body of Philippines has warned the government of delaying action in implementing the new anti-terrorism bill.

The council has warned that the country could find itself&nbsp;included in an international “grey list” of the countries falling short of global money-laundering rules.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-protesters-rally-against-dutertes-anti-terrorism-bill-305381">Also read|&nbsp;Philippines: Protesters rally against Duterte's anti-terrorism bill</a>

The bill has not won hearts of the public of the country, as some fear it could impose restrictions on free speech, and could result in harassment of those who oppose the government.

The bill has been drafted and is awaiting final signature of the&nbsp;Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/philippines-navy-chief-expresses-gratitude-to-indian-navy-chief-for-repairing-ship-damaged-by-fire-305576">Also read|&nbsp;Philippines Navy Chief expresses gratitude to Indian Navy Chief for repairing ship damaged by fire</a>

Fearing a further decline in the economy,&nbsp;the Anti-Money Laundering Council said, it must pass and show it could implement tougher measures to combat terrorism before the observation period set by the intergovernmental Financial Action Task Force expires in February.

“The Philippines’ inclusion in the grey list will result in an additional layer of scrutiny from regulators and financial institutions,” the council said in a statement, adding it will also put at risk the country’s goal of getting an “A” credit rating.

The council has also come to defence of the President for taking anti-terrorism bill as a priority instead of a stimulus package for the victims of the pandemic. “Fighting terrorism is just as urgent because it also concerns protecting life," the council said.

The anti-money laundering body of Philippines has warned the government of delaying action in implementing the new anti-terrorism bill. The council has warned that the country could find itself included in an international “grey list” of the countries falling short of global money-laundering rules.

The anti-money laundering body of Philippines has warned the government of delaying action in implementing the new anti-terrorism bill. The council has warned that the country could find itself included in an international “grey list” of the countries falling short of global money-laundering rules. Also read| Philippines: Protesters rally against Duterte's anti-terrorism bill The bill has not won hearts of the public of the country, as some fear it could impose restrictions on free speech, and could result in harassment of those who oppose the government. The bill has been drafted and is awaiting final signature of the Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Also read| Philippines Navy Chief expresses gratitude to Indian Navy Chief for repairing ship damaged by fire Fearing a further decline in the economy, the Anti-Money Laundering Council said, it must pass and show it could implement tougher measures to combat terrorism before the observation period set by the intergovernmental Financial Action Task Force expires in February. “The Philippines’ inclusion in the grey list will result in an additional layer of scrutiny from regulators and financial institutions,” the council said in a statement, adding it will also put at risk the country’s goal of getting an “A” credit rating. The council has also come to defence of the President for taking anti-terrorism bill as a priority instead of a stimulus package for the victims of the pandemic. “Fighting terrorism is just as urgent because it also concerns protecting life," the council said.

Anti-terrorism bill as urgent as pandemic: Council defends Philippines President

Philippines Navy Chief Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo has expressed&nbsp;gratitude to the Indian Navy for its "invaluable assistance" for helping out one of its navy ship after a fire broke out in engine room which injured two&nbsp;Philippines navy personnel.

Fire had broken in Philippines' ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz on&nbsp;May 7 which gravely&nbsp;injured two&nbsp;of its navy personnel&nbsp;with a second-degree burn.

Indian Navy ship not only repaired the ship free of cost at Navy Shipyard in Kochi but took care of the both the personnel in Indian hospitals.

The two&nbsp;Filipino Navy personnel were rushed to INHS Sanjivani Naval Hospital, Kochi for immediate treatment. One of them was later taken to Bangalore hospitals where he is still recuperating.

The Philippine Navy chief Rear Admiral Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo in a letter to Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh said,"your support in this unfortunate accident is way beyond our expectations and it is a testament of your sincerity in deepening our Navy to Navy partnership. Rest assured that the Philippine Navy remains committed to this Partnership"

Adding,"We hope to expand this relationship as we seek better ways to make our seas safer and more secure for everyone...fervent wishes for your continuing success in leading the Indian Navy's sustained resolve to be a global maritime force".

Gen Filemon Santos, Chief of Staff Armed Forces of the Philippines also&nbsp;wrote a letter to CDS Gen Bipin Rawat thanking him for New Delhi's help. Indian Navy's Technical teams from Naval Ship Repair Yard (Kochi) in close coordination with the Philippine crew undertook repairs and rendered the ship seaworthy within 10 days.

When the fire broke last month, the ship contacted the Philippines Defence Attache Colonel Ronaldo V Juan in Delhi who reached out to Navy headquarters and thereafter the Southern Naval command immediately sprung into action. Two&nbsp;Indian Navy ships were dispatched to escort the Philippines ship at the high seas and it was later repaired in Kochi with all locally sourced items.

Philippines envoy to India Ramon S Bagatsing Jr. told WION, "We are extremely grateful for the support by the Indian navy to the Philippines Navy ships and the personnel in terms of providing us approval to dock and to board stranded Philippines &amp; fire incident happened in one of the ships. Indian navy took care of repairs at its expense, but also took care of the physical aspect of taking care of 2 Philipino navy men and brought them to hospitals.So we are extremely grateful for what they have done for us."

Elaborating," Moving forward we look for stronger relations between our 2 countries, more specifically in the field humanitarian services within our armed forces" .

The Philipines Navy ship left after 20 days on&nbsp;May 27. The damage happened to its main propulsion, auxiliary systems and Generators which the Indian Navy helped repair.&nbsp;

It is interesting to know, A team of four&nbsp;officials from the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi, led by Philippines Defence attache, Philippines Trade attache Eugenio Elevado had travelled all the way to Kochi by road amidst countrywide lockdown to oversee the repair and recuperation of navy personnel.

Philippines Navy Chief Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo has expressed gratitude to the Indian Navy for its "invaluable assistance" for helping out one of its navy ship after a fire broke out in engine room which injured two Philippines navy personnel. Fire had broken in Philippines' ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz on May 7 which gravely injured two of its navy personnel with a second-degree burn. Indian Navy ship not only repaired the ship free of cost at Navy Shipyard in Kochi but took care of the both the personnel in Indian hospitals. The two Filipino Navy personnel were rushed to INHS Sanjivani Naval Hospital, Kochi for immediate treatment. One of them was later taken to Bangalore hospitals where he is still recuperating. The Philippine Navy chief Rear Admiral Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo in a letter to Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh said,"your support in this unfortunate accident is way beyond our expectations and it is a testament of your sincerity in deepening our Navy to Navy partnership. Rest assured that the Philippine Navy remains committed to this Partnership" Adding,"We hope to expand this relationship as we seek better ways to make our seas safer and more secure for everyone...fervent wishes for your continuing success in leading the Indian Navy's sustained resolve to be a global maritime force". Gen Filemon Santos, Chief of Staff Armed Forces of the Philippines also wrote a letter to CDS Gen Bipin Rawat thanking him for New Delhi's help. Indian Navy's Technical teams from Naval Ship Repair Yard (Kochi) in close coordination with the Philippine crew undertook repairs and rendered the ship seaworthy within 10 days. When the fire broke last month, the ship contacted the Philippines Defence Attache Colonel Ronaldo V Juan in Delhi who reached out to Navy headquarters and thereafter the Southern Naval command immediately sprung into action. Two Indian Navy ships were dispatched to escort the Philippines ship at the high seas and it was later repaired in Kochi with all locally sourced items. Philippines envoy to India Ramon S Bagatsing Jr. told WION, "We are extremely grateful for the support by the Indian navy to the Philippines Navy ships and the personnel in terms of providing us approval to dock and to board stranded Philippines & fire incident happened in one of the ships. Indian navy took care of repairs at its expense, but also took care of the physical aspect of taking care of 2 Philipino navy men and brought them to hospitals.So we are extremely grateful for what they have done for us." Elaborating," Moving forward we look for stronger relations between our 2 countries, more specifically in the field humanitarian services within our armed forces" . The Philipines Navy ship left after 20 days on May 27. The damage happened to its main propulsion, auxiliary systems and Generators which the Indian Navy helped repair. It is interesting to know, A team of four officials from the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi, led by Philippines Defence attache, Philippines Trade attache Eugenio Elevado had travelled all the way to Kochi by road amidst countrywide lockdown to oversee the repair and recuperation of navy personnel.

Philippines Navy Chief expresses gratitude to Indian Navy Chief for repairing ship damaged by fire

The Philippines Navy has sent his "sincerest thanks" to the Indian Navy for its "invaluable assistance" for helping out one of its Navy Ship after a fire broke out in engine room which injured 2 Philippines navy personnel.

The fire broke in Philippines ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz on May 07 which grievously injured two of its navy personnel, on with a second-degree burn. Indian Navy ship not only repaired the ship free of cost at Navy Shipyard in Kochi but took care of the both the personnel in Indian hospitals.

The two Filipino Navy personnel were rushed to INHS Sanjivani Naval Hospital, Kochi for immediate treatment. One of them was later taken to Bangalore hospitals where he is still recuperating.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/1st-cyber-graduation-in-philippines-robots-collect-degrees-for-class-of-2020-305460">Also watch|&nbsp;1st 'Cyber-Graduation' in Philippines: Robots collect degrees for class of 2020</a>

The Phillippine Navy chief Rear Admiral Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo in a letter to Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh said,"your support in this unfortunate accident is way beyond our expectations and it is a testament of your sincerity in deepening our Navy to Navy partnership. Rest assured that the Philippine Navy remains committed to this Partnership"

Adding,"We hope to expand this relationship as we seek better ways to make our seas safer and more secure for everyone...fervent wishes for your continuing success in leading the Indian Navy's sustained resolve to be a global maritime force".

Gen Filemon Santos, Chief of Staff Armed Forces of the Philippines who wrote a letter to CDS Gen Bipin Rawat thanking him for New Delhi's help. Indian Navy's Technical teams from Naval Ship Repair Yard (Kochi) in close coordination with the Philippine crew undertook repairs and rendered the ship seaworthy within 10 days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-philippines-president-duterte-is-playing-into-the-hands-of-xis-china-304890">Also read|&nbsp;How Philippines President Duterte is playing into the hands of Xi's China</a>

When the fire broke last month, the ship contacted the Philippines Defence Attache Colonel Ronaldo V Juan in Delhi who reached out to Navy headquarters and thereafter the Southern Naval command immediately sprung into action. two Indian Navy ships were dispatched to escort the Philippines ship at the high seas and it was later repaired in Kochi with all locally sourced items.

Philippines envoy to India Ramon S Bagatsing Jr. told WION, "We are extremely grateful for the support by the Indian navy to the Philippines Navy ships and the personnel in terms of providing us approval to dock and to board stranded Philippines &amp; fire incident happened in one of the ships. Indian navy took care of repairs at its expense, but also took care of the physical aspect of taking care of two Philipino navy men and brought them to hospitals.So we are extremely grateful for what they have done for us."

Elaborating, "Moving forward we look for stranger relations between our two countries, more specifically in the field humanitarian services within our armed forces" .

The Philipines Navy ship left after 20 days on 27th of May. The damage happened to its main propulsion, auxiliary systems and Generators which the Indian Navy helped repair.&nbsp;

It is interesting to know, A team of 4 officials from the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi, led by Philippines Defence attache, Philippines Trade attache Eugenio Elevado had travelled all the way to Kochi by road amidst countrywide lockdown to oversee the repair and recuperation of navy personnel.

The Philippines Navy has sent his "sincerest thanks" to the Indian Navy for its "invaluable assistance" for helping out one of its Navy Ship after a fire broke out in engine room which injured 2 Philippines navy personnel.

The Philippines Navy has sent his "sincerest thanks" to the Indian Navy for its "invaluable assistance" for helping out one of its Navy Ship after a fire broke out in engine room which injured 2 Philippines navy personnel. The fire broke in Philippines ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz on May 07 which grievously injured two of its navy personnel, on with a second-degree burn. Indian Navy ship not only repaired the ship free of cost at Navy Shipyard in Kochi but took care of the both the personnel in Indian hospitals. The two Filipino Navy personnel were rushed to INHS Sanjivani Naval Hospital, Kochi for immediate treatment. One of them was later taken to Bangalore hospitals where he is still recuperating. Also watch| 1st 'Cyber-Graduation' in Philippines: Robots collect degrees for class of 2020 The Phillippine Navy chief Rear Admiral Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo in a letter to Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh said,"your support in this unfortunate accident is way beyond our expectations and it is a testament of your sincerity in deepening our Navy to Navy partnership. Rest assured that the Philippine Navy remains committed to this Partnership" Adding,"We hope to expand this relationship as we seek better ways to make our seas safer and more secure for everyone...fervent wishes for your continuing success in leading the Indian Navy's sustained resolve to be a global maritime force". Gen Filemon Santos, Chief of Staff Armed Forces of the Philippines who wrote a letter to CDS Gen Bipin Rawat thanking him for New Delhi's help. Indian Navy's Technical teams from Naval Ship Repair Yard (Kochi) in close coordination with the Philippine crew undertook repairs and rendered the ship seaworthy within 10 days. Also read| How Philippines President Duterte is playing into the hands of Xi's China When the fire broke last month, the ship contacted the Philippines Defence Attache Colonel Ronaldo V Juan in Delhi who reached out to Navy headquarters and thereafter the Southern Naval command immediately sprung into action. two Indian Navy ships were dispatched to escort the Philippines ship at the high seas and it was later repaired in Kochi with all locally sourced items. Philippines envoy to India Ramon S Bagatsing Jr. told WION, "We are extremely grateful for the support by the Indian navy to the Philippines Navy ships and the personnel in terms of providing us approval to dock and to board stranded Philippines & fire incident happened in one of the ships. Indian navy took care of repairs at its expense, but also took care of the physical aspect of taking care of two Philipino navy men and brought them to hospitals.So we are extremely grateful for what they have done for us." Elaborating, "Moving forward we look for stranger relations between our two countries, more specifically in the field humanitarian services within our armed forces" . The Philipines Navy ship left after 20 days on 27th of May. The damage happened to its main propulsion, auxiliary systems and Generators which the Indian Navy helped repair. It is interesting to know, A team of 4 officials from the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi, led by Philippines Defence attache, Philippines Trade attache Eugenio Elevado had travelled all the way to Kochi by road amidst countrywide lockdown to oversee the repair and recuperation of navy personnel.

Philippines navy chief writes to Indian navy chief; expresses gratitude for repairing ship damaged by fire

Hundreds of protesters rallied in Manila Friday against anti-terrorism legislation that critics fear would give Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte sweeping powers to stifle dissent.&nbsp;

The bill, which has been approved by Congress and is expected to be signed into law by Duterte, would create a council of presidential appointees that could order warrantless arrests of people it deems are terrorists.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-president-duterte-set-to-sign-bill-aimed-at-stifling-dissent-303691">Philippines President Duterte set to sign bill aimed at stifling dissent</a>

It also allows for weeks of detention without charge.&nbsp;

Activists fear the legislation could open the door to a crackdown on Duterte's opponents.

"They (authorities) shouldn't fool us that &nbsp;this terror bill is for terrorists. It's for all of us," said Neri Colmenares, an activist and lawyer.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-philippines-president-duterte-is-playing-into-the-hands-of-xis-china-304890">How Philippines President Duterte is playing into the hands of Xi's China</a>

Groups such as the kidnap-for-ransom gang Abu Sayyaf would continue killing regardless of the legislation, Colmenares told protesters who had ignored police warnings they were breaching coronavirus restrictions.&nbsp;

Protester Ana Celestial said she feared the bill would be the "death of democracy for all of us".

The legislation defines terrorism as intending to cause death or injury, damage government or private property or use weapons of mass destruction to "spread a message of fear" or intimidate the government.&nbsp;

Suspects could be held up to 24 days without charge in violation of a three-day limit in the Constitution, said rights group National Union of Peoples' Lawyers (NUPL).

The vague wording of the bill gives "almost absolute power to designate, even wrongly, mistakenly or maliciously,&nbsp;groups as 'terrorists'", NUPL said.

The United Nations' human rights office has also criticised the legislation, saying in a recent report that it "dilutes human rights safeguards".

But government officials say the alarm is overblown, citing provisions that exempt "advocacy, protest, dissent, stoppage of work... not intended to cause death or serious physical harm".

Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said last week that "anybody who makes peaceful protests, they're not terrorists."

Authorities argue the Philippines needs additional powers to battle the multiple armed groups that regularly carry out attacks on police and civilians.

However, watchdogs note that on top of granting new powers to authorities, the legislation also strips away old safeguards.&nbsp;

The act would do away with penalties against law enforcement agents of up to $10,000 for every day a suspect was found to have been wrongfully detained, Human Rights Watch said.

Hundreds of protesters rallied in Manila Friday against anti-terrorism legislation that critics fear would give Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte sweeping powers to stifle dissent.

Hundreds of protesters rallied in Manila Friday against anti-terrorism legislation that critics fear would give Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte sweeping powers to stifle dissent. The bill, which has been approved by Congress and is expected to be signed into law by Duterte, would create a council of presidential appointees that could order warrantless arrests of people it deems are terrorists. Also read: Philippines President Duterte set to sign bill aimed at stifling dissent It also allows for weeks of detention without charge. Activists fear the legislation could open the door to a crackdown on Duterte's opponents. "They (authorities) shouldn't fool us that this terror bill is for terrorists. It's for all of us," said Neri Colmenares, an activist and lawyer. Also read: How Philippines President Duterte is playing into the hands of Xi's China Groups such as the kidnap-for-ransom gang Abu Sayyaf would continue killing regardless of the legislation, Colmenares told protesters who had ignored police warnings they were breaching coronavirus restrictions. Protester Ana Celestial said she feared the bill would be the "death of democracy for all of us". The legislation defines terrorism as intending to cause death or injury, damage government or private property or use weapons of mass destruction to "spread a message of fear" or intimidate the government. Suspects could be held up to 24 days without charge in violation of a three-day limit in the Constitution, said rights group National Union of Peoples' Lawyers (NUPL). The vague wording of the bill gives "almost absolute power to designate, even wrongly, mistakenly or maliciously, groups as 'terrorists'", NUPL said. The United Nations' human rights office has also criticised the legislation, saying in a recent report that it "dilutes human rights safeguards". But government officials say the alarm is overblown, citing provisions that exempt "advocacy, protest, dissent, stoppage of work... not intended to cause death or serious physical harm". Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said last week that "anybody who makes peaceful protests, they're not terrorists." Authorities argue the Philippines needs additional powers to battle the multiple armed groups that regularly carry out attacks on police and civilians. However, watchdogs note that on top of granting new powers to authorities, the legislation also strips away old safeguards. The act would do away with penalties against law enforcement agents of up to $10,000 for every day a suspect was found to have been wrongfully detained, Human Rights Watch said.

Philippines: Protesters rally against Duterte's anti-terrorism bill

Chinese president Xi Jinping is now ready to take the diplomatic ties with Philipines to next level but what's in it for China?

In February, Philipino President Duterte said he won't allow American troops to operate on his soil and&nbsp;scrapped a two-decade-old agreement. China surely likes such a friend. America's exit would mean china's entry, or so it is hoped. But America is also the main defence ally of the Philippines. Provider of military hardware and training. Duterte's generals do not want to lose that, not when China is trying to capture the south china sea.

Over the past three months, China has pointed a laser gun at a Philippine warship. A Chinese vessel even rammed into a philippine boat, causing it to sink in the disputed waters. China has turned seven reefs claimed by the Philippines into artificial islands and militarised them.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-duterte-playing-into-chinas-hands-304945/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Despite all of this, Duterte has made it clear that Beijing is a preferred economic partner. He learnt no lessons from his China-sceptic predecessor Benigno Aquino.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/why-a-terminated-agreement-with-the-us-could-push-the-philippines-closer-to-china-281378">Why a terminated agreement with the US could push the Philippines closer to China</a>

Aquino famously took China to international court over south china sea disputes. Without realising it, Duterte is now caught between China and the US. Now, there are plans to fix an airstrip on an island in the south china sea.

That may draw Beijing's fury. He is desperate to show that his pro-china stance will pay-off. For this, he has drawn the fury of the philippine public. In 2018,&nbsp;during Xi Jinping's visit to the Philippines, Duterte's citizens made it clear they do not want Chinese interference, and that they do not want Chinese money.

There is near-absence of any Chinese infrastructure investments. Only increased militarisation of the south china sea. So&nbsp;Duterte got cold-feet and took a u-turn and went back to tell the US that he won't scrap the visiting forces agreement. So, US troops will remain in the Philippines. By doing this,

Duterte has put the Philippines in the middle of the US-China political stalemate. The renewed push from China has come at a time when it lacks allies in the region. It is easy for China to bring Duterte to the table. There are many similarities between the leaders too.

Duterte wants the law to suit his needs While Xi is the law in China. For now, the Philippines has the US by its side. Another mistake and, Manila&nbsp;will have to deal with Beijing all by itself.

Duterte is slowly, but surely playing into the hands of Xi's China.&nbsp;

Chinese president Xi Jinping is now ready to take the diplomatic ties with Philipines to next level but what's in it for China? In February, Philipino President Duterte said he won't allow American troops to operate on his soil and scrapped a two-decade-old agreement.

Chinese president Xi Jinping is now ready to take the diplomatic ties with Philipines to next level but what's in it for China? In February, Philipino President Duterte said he won't allow American troops to operate on his soil and scrapped a two-decade-old agreement. China surely likes such a friend. America's exit would mean china's entry, or so it is hoped. But America is also the main defence ally of the Philippines. Provider of military hardware and training. Duterte's generals do not want to lose that, not when China is trying to capture the south china sea. Over the past three months, China has pointed a laser gun at a Philippine warship. A Chinese vessel even rammed into a philippine boat, causing it to sink in the disputed waters. China has turned seven reefs claimed by the Philippines into artificial islands and militarised them. Despite all of this, Duterte has made it clear that Beijing is a preferred economic partner. He learnt no lessons from his China-sceptic predecessor Benigno Aquino. Also read: Why a terminated agreement with the US could push the Philippines closer to China Aquino famously took China to international court over south china sea disputes. Without realising it, Duterte is now caught between China and the US. Now, there are plans to fix an airstrip on an island in the south china sea. That may draw Beijing's fury. He is desperate to show that his pro-china stance will pay-off. For this, he has drawn the fury of the philippine public. In 2018, during Xi Jinping's visit to the Philippines, Duterte's citizens made it clear they do not want Chinese interference, and that they do not want Chinese money. There is near-absence of any Chinese infrastructure investments. Only increased militarisation of the south china sea. So Duterte got cold-feet and took a u-turn and went back to tell the US that he won't scrap the visiting forces agreement. So, US troops will remain in the Philippines. By doing this, Duterte has put the Philippines in the middle of the US-China political stalemate. The renewed push from China has come at a time when it lacks allies in the region. It is easy for China to bring Duterte to the table. There are many similarities between the leaders too. Duterte wants the law to suit his needs While Xi is the law in China. For now, the Philippines has the US by its side. Another mistake and, Manila will have to deal with Beijing all by itself. Duterte is slowly, but surely playing into the hands of Xi's China.

How Philippines President Duterte is playing into the hands of Xi's China

The Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is going to sign an anti-terrorism bill that will smother any kind of dissent. Duterte's human rights violations are making the United Nations nervous. Should so much power be concentrated in the hands of one man?

Gravitas: Duterte's Draconian Anti-Terrorism Law

China and The Philippines are celebrating 45 years of friendship. But Philippines' President Rodrigo Duterte is ignoring a world-famous truth. Beijing's public display of diplomatic love comes with conditions. WION's PalkiSharma tells you how Duterte is caught in the crossfire between the U.S. and China.

Gravitas: Is Duterte playing into China's hands?

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