'Presidency is no job for a woman', says President of The Philippines Rodrigo Duterte. He is the same man who boasted about assaulting women. Duterte now says women are too emotional and unfit for a leadership role.

Gravitas: Duterte: Presidency no job for a woman

Philippine leader Rodrigo&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;on Thursday said that&nbsp;presidency is not a job for women&nbsp;because of their emotional differences to men, and dismissed speculation that his daughter would succeed him next year.

"My daughter is not running. I have told Inday not to run because I pity (her) knowing she will have to go through what I am going through,"&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;said at the launch of a highway project, referring to his daughter Sara by her nickname.

"This is not for women. You know, the emotional set-up of a woman and a man is totally different. You will become a fool here. So... that is the sad story."

The Philippines has had two women presidents, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from 2001 to 2010 and Corazon Aquino from 1986 to 1992.

Duterte, 75, is notorious for comments often deemed offensive, sexist and misogynistic, but his office typically calls his remarks harmless jokes. He remains hugely popular among female voters in the Philippines.

Daughter Sara&nbsp;Duterte-Carpio, 42, who succeeded him as mayor of Davao City, came top in a recent opinion poll that asked the public to choose a preferred candidate from a list of possible contenders for the 2022 elections.

Two other women, Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Grace Poe, were hypothetical contenders.

Presidents in the Philippines are allowed only one, six-year term in office. Arroyo's was longer as she took over from an impeached former president.

Responding to&nbsp;Duterte's remarks, Cristina Palabay of human rights group Karapatan said women are as capable as men in any job. "What matters most especially when we talk of the presidency and public office is if the interests of the poor majority are upheld," she said.

Duterte-Carpio has cultivated an image as a reluctant successor as mayor of Davao, where she is hugely popular for showing the same tough, no-nonsense character as her father, who ran the city for two decades.

She is no stranger to presidential duties, serving as first lady because of her father's annulled marriage.

Duterte-Carpio on Thursday told Reuters said had informed her father she did not intend to run and would not be a late entry as he was six years ago.

"I am not being coy nor am I doing a 'last-minute',"&nbsp;Duterte-Carpio said in a text message. "If the whole country does not want to believe (this) then I can't do anything about it. Not everyone wants to be president. I am one of them."

She added: "I thank all of them for their trust and confidence in what I can do but my refusal to run for president is not the end of the world."

Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said that presidency is not a job for women because of their emotional differences to men, and dismissed speculation that his daughter would succeed him next year.

Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said that presidency is not a job for women because of their emotional differences to men, and dismissed speculation that his daughter would succeed him next year. "My daughter is not running. I have told Inday not to run because I pity (her) knowing she will have to go through what I am going through," Duterte said at the launch of a highway project, referring to his daughter Sara by her nickname. "This is not for women. You know, the emotional set-up of a woman and a man is totally different. You will become a fool here. So... that is the sad story." The Philippines has had two women presidents, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from 2001 to 2010 and Corazon Aquino from 1986 to 1992. Duterte, 75, is notorious for comments often deemed offensive, sexist and misogynistic, but his office typically calls his remarks harmless jokes. He remains hugely popular among female voters in the Philippines. Daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio, 42, who succeeded him as mayor of Davao City, came top in a recent opinion poll that asked the public to choose a preferred candidate from a list of possible contenders for the 2022 elections. Two other women, Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Grace Poe, were hypothetical contenders. Presidents in the Philippines are allowed only one, six-year term in office. Arroyo's was longer as she took over from an impeached former president. Responding to Duterte's remarks, Cristina Palabay of human rights group Karapatan said women are as capable as men in any job. "What matters most especially when we talk of the presidency and public office is if the interests of the poor majority are upheld," she said. Duterte-Carpio has cultivated an image as a reluctant successor as mayor of Davao, where she is hugely popular for showing the same tough, no-nonsense character as her father, who ran the city for two decades. She is no stranger to presidential duties, serving as first lady because of her father's annulled marriage. Duterte-Carpio on Thursday told Reuters said had informed her father she did not intend to run and would not be a late entry as he was six years ago. "I am not being coy nor am I doing a 'last-minute'," Duterte-Carpio said in a text message. "If the whole country does not want to believe (this) then I can't do anything about it. Not everyone wants to be president. I am one of them." She added: "I thank all of them for their trust and confidence in what I can do but my refusal to run for president is not the end of the world."

Duterte says presidency not for women, tells daughter not to run in next election

Several members of the&nbsp;Philippines's President's security team have been injected with a Chinese-made <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a> making them the first&nbsp;Philippines nationals to receive any vaccine against<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus"> COVID-19</a>.

The alarming fact behind this news, reported by&nbsp;Philippines officials on Monday is that the local health regulators have not yet given official approval to any vaccine yet, although the government is in talks with several&nbsp;pharmaceutical firms including Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca and China's&nbsp;Sinopharm.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-china-seek-to-jointly-develop-energy-projects-in-south-china-sea-335695">Philippines, China seek to jointly develop energy projects in South China Sea</a>

Philippines is hoping to secure nearly 60 million doses for the coronavirus vaccine, with the aim to start a mass vaccination drive in the second quarter of 2021.

"The PSG administered Covid-19 vaccine to its personnel performing close-in security operations to the President," said&nbsp;unit chief Brigadier General Jesus Durante in a statement.&nbsp;

Security personnel were immunised with a vaccine which has not yet been approved &nbsp;the country's Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, it is not yet clear how many security personnel were provided with the vaccine.

As of now, it is confirmed that the security team has been given the Chinese vaccine. However, how many doses of the Sinopharm drug were obtained and when has not yet been made clear.

While the President's security team,&nbsp;Presidential Security Group (PSG), has been immunised with the vaccine, the President himself is waiting "for the perfect or appropriate vaccine".

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The news has come after the President&nbsp;Rodrigo Duterte had expressed his desire to act as a tester of the Chinese and Russian vaccine, claiming he has extreme confidence in the vaccines being produced by these two countries.

President's spokesperson also took this opportunity to take a direct aim at the 'unfriendly' countries and said, "The news is that the vaccine is already here and if we cannot be given Western vaccines, our friend and neighbour China is willing to give us vaccine."

&nbsp;"It's not prohibited under the law to get inoculated with an unregistered (vaccine). What is illegal is the distribution and selling," he added.

As of now,&nbsp;Philippines has recorded more than&nbsp;Philippines cases, which excludes the Chirstmas and holidays surge.

Several members of the Philippines's President's security team have been injected with a Chinese-made coronavirus vaccine making them the first Philippines nationals to receive any vaccine against COVID-19.

Several members of the Philippines's President's security team have been injected with a Chinese-made coronavirus vaccine making them the first Philippines nationals to receive any vaccine against COVID-19. The alarming fact behind this news, reported by Philippines officials on Monday is that the local health regulators have not yet given official approval to any vaccine yet, although the government is in talks with several pharmaceutical firms including Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca and China's Sinopharm. Also read| Philippines, China seek to jointly develop energy projects in South China Sea Philippines is hoping to secure nearly 60 million doses for the coronavirus vaccine, with the aim to start a mass vaccination drive in the second quarter of 2021. "The PSG administered Covid-19 vaccine to its personnel performing close-in security operations to the President," said unit chief Brigadier General Jesus Durante in a statement. Security personnel were immunised with a vaccine which has not yet been approved the country's Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, it is not yet clear how many security personnel were provided with the vaccine. As of now, it is confirmed that the security team has been given the Chinese vaccine. However, how many doses of the Sinopharm drug were obtained and when has not yet been made clear. While the President's security team, Presidential Security Group (PSG), has been immunised with the vaccine, the President himself is waiting "for the perfect or appropriate vaccine". Also read| China protests US Navy's 'provocative actions' in South China Sea The news has come after the President Rodrigo Duterte had expressed his desire to act as a tester of the Chinese and Russian vaccine, claiming he has extreme confidence in the vaccines being produced by these two countries. President's spokesperson also took this opportunity to take a direct aim at the 'unfriendly' countries and said, "The news is that the vaccine is already here and if we cannot be given Western vaccines, our friend and neighbour China is willing to give us vaccine." "It's not prohibited under the law to get inoculated with an unregistered (vaccine). What is illegal is the distribution and selling," he added. As of now, Philippines has recorded more than Philippines cases, which excludes the Chirstmas and holidays surge.

Philippines' Rodrigo Duterte's security team gets COVID-19 vaccine without approval

Residents of the Philippines' capital on Saturday flocked to an artificial white sand beach that the government has transformed from a polluted stretch of shoreline to mark International Coastal Cleanup day.

Despite opposition from environmental campaigners, President Rodrigo Duterte's government has filled a 500-meter stretch of coastline beside the U.S. embassy in Manila with sand made from tonnes of crushed dolomite boulders from central Philippines.

Manila Bay is a 60-km (37-mile) semi-enclosed estuary facing the South China Sea. Its waters are heavily polluted by oil, grease and trash from nearby residential areas and ports.

The use of artificial sand has been met with criticism, with environmental groups saying the facelift focuses only on aesthetics and has little to do with rehabilitation.

Fernando Hicap, president of fisherfolk group Pamalakaya, told Reuters that the pollution was killing fish stocks in the bay. "There is still so much garbage," he said.

Despite fears that dolomite could be a health hazard, Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso assured the public that the cleanup and beautification project is not a threat to residents' well-being.

"When we see something nice being done to our city and if we feel it is for the betterment of our city, we should always be supportive of that," Domagoso said in a speech to mark the opening of the beach to the public.

Residents of the Philippines' capital on Saturday flocked to an artificial white sand beach that the government has transformed from a polluted stretch of shoreline to mark International Coastal Cleanup day.

Residents of the Philippines' capital on Saturday flocked to an artificial white sand beach that the government has transformed from a polluted stretch of shoreline to mark International Coastal Cleanup day. Despite opposition from environmental campaigners, President Rodrigo Duterte's government has filled a 500-meter stretch of coastline beside the U.S. embassy in Manila with sand made from tonnes of crushed dolomite boulders from central Philippines. Manila Bay is a 60-km (37-mile) semi-enclosed estuary facing the South China Sea. Its waters are heavily polluted by oil, grease and trash from nearby residential areas and ports. The use of artificial sand has been met with criticism, with environmental groups saying the facelift focuses only on aesthetics and has little to do with rehabilitation. Fernando Hicap, president of fisherfolk group Pamalakaya, told Reuters that the pollution was killing fish stocks in the bay. "There is still so much garbage," he said. Despite fears that dolomite could be a health hazard, Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso assured the public that the cleanup and beautification project is not a threat to residents' well-being. "When we see something nice being done to our city and if we feel it is for the betterment of our city, we should always be supportive of that," Domagoso said in a speech to mark the opening of the beach to the public.

Polluted stretch of Manila Bay gets fake white sand makeover

A US marine convicted of killing a transgender woman in the Philippines was deported on Sunday after being pardoned by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton was halfway through his maximum 10-year prison term for the 2014 murder when Duterte this week unexpectedly ordered his release, drawing condemnation from rights groups.

Escorted by US military personnel, the 25-year-old boarded a US military plane at Manila airport, the Philippine Bureau of Immigration said.

"Pemberton wishes to express his deepest gratitude to President Duterte for granting him an absolute pardon. He is extremely grateful for this act of compassion," his lawyer Rowena Flores said in a statement.

Flores said Pemberton extends his "sincere sympathy for the pain he caused" to the family of his victim Jennifer Laude, the first formal apology from the marine.

"He wishes he had the words to express the depth of his sorrow and regret," she added.

Pemberton met Laude in October 2014 in a bar in the northwestern city of Olongapo after a joint US-Philippine military exercise.

During the trial, a lower court heard that Pemberton and Laude agreed to have sex but the drunken marine turned violent when he discovered Laude still had male genitals.

The lawyer for Laude's family condemned the pardon, which has renewed anti-American sentiment in the former US colony.

"May he find peace of mind. (I'm) hoping he has learned from all these the value of life and dignity regardless of gender and nationality," lawyer Virginia Suarez said.

As part of his deportation to the United States, Pemberton is now banned from entering the Philippines for being a "risk to public safety", the immigration bureau added.

A US marine convicted of killing a transgender woman in the Philippines was deported on Sunday after being pardoned by President Rodrigo Duterte. Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton was halfway through his maximum 10-year prison term for the 2014 murder when Duterte this week unexpectedly ordered his release, drawing condemnation from rights groups.

A US marine convicted of killing a transgender woman in the Philippines was deported on Sunday after being pardoned by President Rodrigo Duterte. Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton was halfway through his maximum 10-year prison term for the 2014 murder when Duterte this week unexpectedly ordered his release, drawing condemnation from rights groups. Escorted by US military personnel, the 25-year-old boarded a US military plane at Manila airport, the Philippine Bureau of Immigration said. "Pemberton wishes to express his deepest gratitude to President Duterte for granting him an absolute pardon. He is extremely grateful for this act of compassion," his lawyer Rowena Flores said in a statement. Flores said Pemberton extends his "sincere sympathy for the pain he caused" to the family of his victim Jennifer Laude, the first formal apology from the marine. "He wishes he had the words to express the depth of his sorrow and regret," she added. Pemberton met Laude in October 2014 in a bar in the northwestern city of Olongapo after a joint US-Philippine military exercise. During the trial, a lower court heard that Pemberton and Laude agreed to have sex but the drunken marine turned violent when he discovered Laude still had male genitals. The lawyer for Laude's family condemned the pardon, which has renewed anti-American sentiment in the former US colony. "May he find peace of mind. (I'm) hoping he has learned from all these the value of life and dignity regardless of gender and nationality," lawyer Virginia Suarez said. As part of his deportation to the United States, Pemberton is now banned from entering the Philippines for being a "risk to public safety", the immigration bureau added.

Philippines deports US Marine pardoned for transgender killing

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has granted an absolute pardon to a US marine convicted of killing a transgender woman, officials said Monday, drawing condemnation from rights groups.

Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton has been in prison since the October 2014 killing of Jennifer Laude, whom he met at a bar while on a break from military exercises in the northern city of Olongapo.

A local court ruled last week that Pemberton qualified for early release due to good behaviour, but was still being held due to an appeal.

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's pardon clears all legal obstacles to his release, despite him serving just half his 10-year sentence.

Duterte's spokesman Harry Roque, a lawyer who represented the Laude family during the trial, confirmed Duterte's decision.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-duterte-orders-customs-chief-to-shoot-and-kill-drug-smugglers-324638">Philippine's Duterte orders customs chief to 'shoot and kill' drug smugglers</a>

"The president has erased the remaining punishment against Pemberton... He can now go home because of the pardon," Roque told reporters.

The Laude family lawyer condemned the decision, calling it a "mockery" of the country's justice system.&nbsp;

"This is another injustice -- not only to Jennifer Laude and family but a grave injustice to the Filipino people," Virginia Suarez said in a statement.

"This is a travesty of Philippine sovereignty and democracy."&nbsp;

The pardon has renewed anti-American sentiment in the Southeast Asian nation, where groups have long called for removal of US military presence.

Edre Olalia, of the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers, called the pardon "a brazen and shameless sell-out" of country's sovereignty.

The pardon came despite Duterte shifting away from the US to seek closer relations with China since assuming power in 2016.

He will address the nation on Monday night after meeting his Cabinet and he is expected to speak on the issue, Roque said.&nbsp;

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has granted an absolute pardon to a US marine convicted of killing a transgender woman, officials said Monday, drawing condemnation from rights groups.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has granted an absolute pardon to a US marine convicted of killing a transgender woman, officials said Monday, drawing condemnation from rights groups. Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton has been in prison since the October 2014 killing of Jennifer Laude, whom he met at a bar while on a break from military exercises in the northern city of Olongapo. A local court ruled last week that Pemberton qualified for early release due to good behaviour, but was still being held due to an appeal. Also read: How Philippines President Duterte is playing into the hands of Xi's China Duterte's pardon clears all legal obstacles to his release, despite him serving just half his 10-year sentence. Duterte's spokesman Harry Roque, a lawyer who represented the Laude family during the trial, confirmed Duterte's decision. Also read: Philippine's Duterte orders customs chief to 'shoot and kill' drug smugglers "The president has erased the remaining punishment against Pemberton... He can now go home because of the pardon," Roque told reporters. The Laude family lawyer condemned the decision, calling it a "mockery" of the country's justice system. "This is another injustice -- not only to Jennifer Laude and family but a grave injustice to the Filipino people," Virginia Suarez said in a statement. "This is a travesty of Philippine sovereignty and democracy." The pardon has renewed anti-American sentiment in the Southeast Asian nation, where groups have long called for removal of US military presence. Edre Olalia, of the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers, called the pardon "a brazen and shameless sell-out" of country's sovereignty. The pardon came despite Duterte shifting away from the US to seek closer relations with China since assuming power in 2016. He will address the nation on Monday night after meeting his Cabinet and he is expected to speak on the issue, Roque said.

Philippines president pardons US marine in transgender killing

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte publicly ordered the country's top customs official to shoot and kill drug smugglers in one of his most overt threats during a deadly four-year campaign that has been the centerpiece of his presidency.

Duterte has steadfastly denied authorising extrajudicial killings but has repeatedly and openly threatened drug dealers with death.

He and the national police, which has led enforcement of his anti-drug campaign, have said most of the suspects killed by police during the campaign fought back and threatened the lives of law enforcers.

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Duterte gave the order to Bureau of Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero in televised remarks from a Cabinet meeting on the coronavirus pandemic Monday night.

Guerrero, a retired army general and former military chief of staff, was not around when Duterte spoke, but the president said he met Guerrero and two other officials earlier Monday at the presidential palace in Manila.

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''Drug is still flowing inside the country through customs,''&nbsp;Duterte said, adding he has earlier approved Guerrero's request for firearms.

''I approved the purchase of firearms and until now you haven't killed even one.''

''I told him to shape up as drugs are&nbsp;still flowing in. I'd like you to kill there ... Anyway, I'll back you up and you won't get jailed. If it's drugs, you shoot and kill. That's the arrangement,''&nbsp;Duterte said without elaborating.

More than 5,700 mostly poor drug suspects have been killed under Duterte's anti-drug crackdown, which has alarmed human rights groups and Western governments and sparked an examination of alleged crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court. Duterte has vowed to continue the deadly crackdown in his remaining two years in power.

The human rights groups have said their investigations showed some suspects were killed mercilessly then police officers altered the scene and placed firearms in the victims' hands to make it appear that they fought back. Police have said the rights groups and critics should file criminal complaints in court if they have evidence against officers.

Duterte had placed the corruption-plagued customs bureau temporarily under military control in 2018 after two large shipments of illegal drugs slipped past the agency through the port of Manila.

A congressional investigation into how the large shipments of suspected methamphetamine slipped through the tightly watched port ended with recommendations of charges against some customs officials and internal reforms in the customs bureau.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte publicly ordered the country's top customs official to shoot and kill drug smugglers in one of his most overt threats during a deadly four-year campaign that has been the centerpiece of his presidency.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte publicly ordered the country's top customs official to shoot and kill drug smugglers in one of his most overt threats during a deadly four-year campaign that has been the centerpiece of his presidency. Duterte has steadfastly denied authorising extrajudicial killings but has repeatedly and openly threatened drug dealers with death. He and the national police, which has led enforcement of his anti-drug campaign, have said most of the suspects killed by police during the campaign fought back and threatened the lives of law enforcers. Also read: Philippines: Protesters rally against Duterte's anti-terrorism bill Duterte gave the order to Bureau of Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero in televised remarks from a Cabinet meeting on the coronavirus pandemic Monday night. Guerrero, a retired army general and former military chief of staff, was not around when Duterte spoke, but the president said he met Guerrero and two other officials earlier Monday at the presidential palace in Manila. Also read: How Philippines President Duterte is playing into the hands of Xi's China ''Drug is still flowing inside the country through customs,'' Duterte said, adding he has earlier approved Guerrero's request for firearms. ''I approved the purchase of firearms and until now you haven't killed even one.'' ''I told him to shape up as drugs are still flowing in. I'd like you to kill there ... Anyway, I'll back you up and you won't get jailed. If it's drugs, you shoot and kill. That's the arrangement,'' Duterte said without elaborating. More than 5,700 mostly poor drug suspects have been killed under Duterte's anti-drug crackdown, which has alarmed human rights groups and Western governments and sparked an examination of alleged crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court. Duterte has vowed to continue the deadly crackdown in his remaining two years in power. The human rights groups have said their investigations showed some suspects were killed mercilessly then police officers altered the scene and placed firearms in the victims' hands to make it appear that they fought back. Police have said the rights groups and critics should file criminal complaints in court if they have evidence against officers. Duterte had placed the corruption-plagued customs bureau temporarily under military control in 2018 after two large shipments of illegal drugs slipped past the agency through the port of Manila. A congressional investigation into how the large shipments of suspected methamphetamine slipped through the tightly watched port ended with recommendations of charges against some customs officials and internal reforms in the customs bureau.

Philippine's Duterte orders customs chief to 'shoot and kill' drug smugglers

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.

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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

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;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-end-of-democracy-in-the-philippines-317369/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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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'

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

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?

Officials in the Philippines said on Monday that children would not be allowed to go back to schools until a coronavirus vaccine is available.&nbsp;

Last month, President Rodrigo Duterte insisted on the same measure, saying that he would not let children return to schools unless he is "sure that they are really safe".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-new-anti-terrorism-law-targets-dissent-303618">Philippines: New anti-terrorism law targets dissent</a>

On Monday education secretary Leonor Briones said, "We will comply with the president's directive to postpone face-to-face classes until a vaccine is available", in a press briefing, reported AFP.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-duterte-threatens-martial-law-like-virus-crackdown-293127">Philippines' Duterte threatens martial law-like virus crackdown</a>

He added that classes will be resumed at the end of August and teachers will use distance learning methods through internet or TV broadcasts.&nbsp;

In the Philippines, millions live in extreme poverty, and therefore attending online classes, which requires a computer or smartphone, will be very challenging.&nbsp;

"The teacher and the school will have to adjust... depending on the availability of communication," the health secretary said.&nbsp;

There has not been much criticism in the Philippines for delaying face-to-face classes, as the country is daily witnessing a surge in coronavirus cases, despite being under one of the world's strictest lockdowns.&nbsp;

Also, in the Philippines, children are generally not allowed to go outside their homes until it is absolutely necessary.&nbsp;

Scientists across the world are hastening to find the vaccine of this deadly virus, however, many experts say that from the end of this year to one or two years would be required for developing.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Officials in the Philippines said on Monday that children would not be allowed to go back to schools until a coronavirus vaccine is available. Last month, President Rodrigo Duterte insisted on the same measure, saying that he would not let children return to schools unless he is "sure that they are really safe".

Officials in the Philippines said on Monday that children would not be allowed to go back to schools until a coronavirus vaccine is available. Last month, President Rodrigo Duterte insisted on the same measure, saying that he would not let children return to schools unless he is "sure that they are really safe". Also read | Philippines: New anti-terrorism law targets dissent On Monday education secretary Leonor Briones said, "We will comply with the president's directive to postpone face-to-face classes until a vaccine is available", in a press briefing, reported AFP. Also read | Philippines' Duterte threatens martial law-like virus crackdown He added that classes will be resumed at the end of August and teachers will use distance learning methods through internet or TV broadcasts. In the Philippines, millions live in extreme poverty, and therefore attending online classes, which requires a computer or smartphone, will be very challenging. "The teacher and the school will have to adjust... depending on the availability of communication," the health secretary said. There has not been much criticism in the Philippines for delaying face-to-face classes, as the country is daily witnessing a surge in coronavirus cases, despite being under one of the world's strictest lockdowns. Also, in the Philippines, children are generally not allowed to go outside their homes until it is absolutely necessary. Scientists across the world are hastening to find the vaccine of this deadly virus, however, many experts say that from the end of this year to one or two years would be required for developing.

Children will not go to schools till vaccine is available: Philippines

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is likely to sign the bill that will give powers to his administration to stifle dissent.&nbsp;

According to the bill that was passed by the Senate in February, authorities will be given the freedom to detain suspects without a warrant for up to 24 days, arrest without warrant and detain people critical of the administration on the basis of social media posts.&nbsp;

The bill has passed both houses of Congress and is nearing finalisation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/systematic-extrajudicial-killings-near-impunity-for-police-part-of-philippines-war-on-drugs-un-303258">'Systematic extrajudicial killings', 'near impunity’ for police part of Philippines’ war on drugs: UN</a>

The United Nations is protesting against it and has released a scathing report with details of human rights violations under President Duterte including the extrajudicial killing of more than 8,000 people.

Even after years of international and domestic criticism, Duterte appears unfazed and wants to give the police a free-hand.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-duterte-threatens-martial-law-like-virus-crackdown-293127">Philippines' Duterte threatens martial law-like virus crackdown</a>

This anti-terrorism legislation is so broadly written that it is concerning because the police can arrest and detain people without a warrant and hold them in custody without charges for 24 days.

Duterte's notorious methods are well known. He won the Presidential election in 2016 after he pledged to kill 100,000 criminals in the first six months of his term.

He also promised to dump bodies in the Manila bay.&nbsp;The United Nations report has evidence to show Duterte did what he promised. Since mid-2016, thousands of people have been killed in the guise of war on drugs.

Many claim the police may have interpreted Duterte's high-level rhetoric as a license to kill.&nbsp;Suspects are forced to make self-incriminating statements or risk facing custodial torture.

Most victims in the drug war are young, poor, urban males. Duterte calls the Philippines a narco state.

The UN&nbsp;disagrees and&nbsp;says&nbsp;the prevalence of illegal drugs is lower than the global average.

Activists say&nbsp;the anti-terrorism law will only make it&nbsp;bloodier.&nbsp;They fear Duterte will appoint the anti-terrorism council which&nbsp;will suppress free speech and harass critics.

In the first four months of the year, during the pandemic,&nbsp;political opponents and NGO&nbsp;workers were charged for sedition and perjury and a major media network was forced to stop broadcasting.

In the government's defence, extremism was a problem in the country.

For five months in 2017, Islamic State militants had seized the southern city of Marawi. The government says it wants to avoid a repeat of that but Duterte's authoritarian ways are worrying.

During the pandemic, he wanted to impose martial law after failing to enforce a lockdown. Martial law has a horrifying history in the Philippines.

Thirteen years of martial law under dictator Ferdinand Marcos denied them basic freedoms.&nbsp;Duterte admires Marcos and&nbsp;calls him his idol. He&nbsp;is now walking in his footsteps.&nbsp;

For critics, the message is clear: face arrest without a warrant&nbsp;and, be labelled a terrorist. 
&nbsp;

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is likely to sign the bill that will give powers to his administration to stifle dissent. According to the bill that was passed by the Senate in February, authorities will be given the freedom to detain suspects without a warrant for up to 24 days, arrest without warrant and detain people critical of the administration on the basis of social media posts.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is likely to sign the bill that will give powers to his administration to stifle dissent. According to the bill that was passed by the Senate in February, authorities will be given the freedom to detain suspects without a warrant for up to 24 days, arrest without warrant and detain people critical of the administration on the basis of social media posts. The bill has passed both houses of Congress and is nearing finalisation. Also read | 'Systematic extrajudicial killings', 'near impunity’ for police part of Philippines’ war on drugs: UN The United Nations is protesting against it and has released a scathing report with details of human rights violations under President Duterte including the extrajudicial killing of more than 8,000 people. Even after years of international and domestic criticism, Duterte appears unfazed and wants to give the police a free-hand. Also read | Philippines' Duterte threatens martial law-like virus crackdown This anti-terrorism legislation is so broadly written that it is concerning because the police can arrest and detain people without a warrant and hold them in custody without charges for 24 days. Duterte's notorious methods are well known. He won the Presidential election in 2016 after he pledged to kill 100,000 criminals in the first six months of his term. He also promised to dump bodies in the Manila bay. The United Nations report has evidence to show Duterte did what he promised. Since mid-2016, thousands of people have been killed in the guise of war on drugs. Many claim the police may have interpreted Duterte's high-level rhetoric as a license to kill. Suspects are forced to make self-incriminating statements or risk facing custodial torture. Most victims in the drug war are young, poor, urban males. Duterte calls the Philippines a narco state. The UN disagrees and says the prevalence of illegal drugs is lower than the global average. Activists say the anti-terrorism law will only make it bloodier. They fear Duterte will appoint the anti-terrorism council which will suppress free speech and harass critics. In the first four months of the year, during the pandemic, political opponents and NGO workers were charged for sedition and perjury and a major media network was forced to stop broadcasting. In the government's defence, extremism was a problem in the country. For five months in 2017, Islamic State militants had seized the southern city of Marawi. The government says it wants to avoid a repeat of that but Duterte's authoritarian ways are worrying. During the pandemic, he wanted to impose martial law after failing to enforce a lockdown. Martial law has a horrifying history in the Philippines. Thirteen years of martial law under dictator Ferdinand Marcos denied them basic freedoms. Duterte admires Marcos and calls him his idol. He is now walking in his footsteps. For critics, the message is clear: face arrest without a warrant and, be labelled a terrorist.

Philippines President Duterte set to sign bill aimed at stifling dissent

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is likely to sign the bill that will give powers to his administration to stifle dissent.&nbsp;

According to the bill that was passed by the Senate in February, authorities will be given the freedom to detain suspects without a warrant for up to 24 days, arrest without warrant and detain people critical of the administration on the basis of social media posts.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/systematic-extrajudicial-killings-near-impunity-for-police-part-of-philippines-war-on-drugs-un-303258">'Systematic extrajudicial killings', 'near impunity’ for police part of Philippines’ war on drugs: UN</a>

This anti-terrorism law will give Duterte, who has long considered the idea of imposing martial law, the power to designate individuals or organisations as terrorists without the approval of courts.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-duterte-threatens-martial-law-like-virus-crackdown-293127">Philippines' Duterte threatens martial law-like virus crackdown</a>

A United Nations (UN) report said on Thursday that tens of thousands of people may have been killed in the country with the "near impunity" to the offenders in the crackdown launched against drugs since mid-2016.

"Despite credible allegations of widespread and systematic extrajudicial killings in the context of the campaign against illegal drugs, there has been near impunity for such violations," the UN human rights office said.

It called for "independent, impartial, credible investigations into all allegations of serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law" in the country.

This report will now be handed over this month to the UN Human Rights Council who have asked for a review on the crackdown last year.&nbsp;

The International Criminal Court has also launched a preliminary probe of the drug war in 2018.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is likely to sign the bill that will give powers to his administration to stifle dissent. According to the bill that was passed by the Senate in February, authorities will be given the freedom to detain suspects without a warrant for up to 24 days, arrest without warrant and detain people critical of the administration on the basis of social media posts. Also read | 'Systematic extrajudicial killings', 'near impunity’ for police part of Philippines’ war on drugs: UN This anti-terrorism law will give Duterte, who has long considered the idea of imposing martial law, the power to designate individuals or organisations as terrorists without the approval of courts. Also read | Philippines' Duterte threatens martial law-like virus crackdown A United Nations (UN) report said on Thursday that tens of thousands of people may have been killed in the country with the "near impunity" to the offenders in the crackdown launched against drugs since mid-2016. "Despite credible allegations of widespread and systematic extrajudicial killings in the context of the campaign against illegal drugs, there has been near impunity for such violations," the UN human rights office said. It called for "independent, impartial, credible investigations into all allegations of serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law" in the country. This report will now be handed over this month to the UN Human Rights Council who have asked for a review on the crackdown last year. The International Criminal Court has also launched a preliminary probe of the drug war in 2018.

Philippines: New anti-terrorism law targets dissent

Over 150,000 people are being evacuated in Philippines after&nbsp;Typhoon 'Vongfong' hit the country.

The typhoon struck eastern Samar dumping heavy rains and blowing off roofs, and was blowing northwest toward the populous main northern island of Luzon, around noon local time on Thursday,&nbsp;Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

Authorities have not reported any deaths so far, but disaster crews were just beginning on Friday their assessment of hard-hit areas cut off by the storm.

Vongfong packed winds of at least 115 mph, an intensity that makes it the equivalent of a category three&nbsp;hurricane.

Tens of millions of people live along Vongfong’s path, which is forecast to take it near the densely populated capital Manila later on Friday or early Saturday.

It is expected to cause heavy rains, landslides and flooding until Sunday, but the national meteorological agency said it could weaken to a severe tropical storm as it churns north over the Philippines.

More than 150,000 people&nbsp;were evacuated to safety in the outlying provinces of Samar, where the typhoon first blew over, officials said.

It is the first named storm of the 2020 season in the West Pacific.

The typhoon&nbsp;called ''Ambo'' in&nbsp;Philippines, slowed down the evacuation process already complicated by the restrictions in the country due to the coronavirus lockdown.

More than&nbsp;50 million people&nbsp;in the Philippines are living under strict lockdown rules imposed by President Rodrigo Duterte in an attempt to contain the virus.

The country currently has 11,876 cases of the disease, according to data from&nbsp;Johns Hopkins University.

Over 150,000 people are being evacuated in Philippines after Typhoon 'Vongfong' hit the country. The typhoon struck eastern Samar dumping heavy rains and blowing off roofs, and was blowing northwest toward the populous main northern island of Luzon, around noon local time on Thursday, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

Over 150,000 people are being evacuated in Philippines after Typhoon 'Vongfong' hit the country. The typhoon struck eastern Samar dumping heavy rains and blowing off roofs, and was blowing northwest toward the populous main northern island of Luzon, around noon local time on Thursday, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said. Authorities have not reported any deaths so far, but disaster crews were just beginning on Friday their assessment of hard-hit areas cut off by the storm. Vongfong packed winds of at least 115 mph, an intensity that makes it the equivalent of a category three hurricane. Tens of millions of people live along Vongfong’s path, which is forecast to take it near the densely populated capital Manila later on Friday or early Saturday. It is expected to cause heavy rains, landslides and flooding until Sunday, but the national meteorological agency said it could weaken to a severe tropical storm as it churns north over the Philippines. More than 150,000 people were evacuated to safety in the outlying provinces of Samar, where the typhoon first blew over, officials said. It is the first named storm of the 2020 season in the West Pacific. The typhoon called ''Ambo'' in Philippines, slowed down the evacuation process already complicated by the restrictions in the country due to the coronavirus lockdown. More than 50 million people in the Philippines are living under strict lockdown rules imposed by President Rodrigo Duterte in an attempt to contain the virus. The country currently has 11,876 cases of the disease, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Typhoon 'Vongfong' strikes Philippines, over 150,000 people being evacuated

Philippine President Rodrigo&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;has threatened a martial law-like crackdown to stop people flouting a virus lockdown in the nation's capital.

Duterte&nbsp;spoke a day after authorities reported an upsurge of cars on Manila's roads, which have been nearly deserted since a sweeping lockdown was imposed a month ago on about half the country's 110 million people.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-patients-recovering-quickly-after-getting-remdesivir-an-experimental-drug-293051" hreflang="en">COVID-19 patients recovering quickly after getting remdesivir, an experimental drug</a>

"I'm just asking for a little discipline. If not, if you do not believe me, then the military and police will take over,"&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;said in a televised speech late Thursday.

"The military and police will enforce social distancing at curfew... It's like martial law. You choose," he added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hand-holding-in-coronavirus-pandemic-wealth-managers-grapple-with-new-reality-293048" hreflang="en">Hand-holding in coronavirus pandemic: Wealth managers grapple with new reality</a>

Duterte&nbsp;has repeatedly threatened to impose nationwide military rule over the Philippines, where the mere words evoke the worst rights abuses of the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship.

The closest&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;has come is the imposition of martial law over Mindanao, the nation's southern third, in response to Islamic State-inspired militants' siege of the city of Marawi.

As reported cases of the new coronavirus started to climb in March,&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;ordered a&nbsp;quarantine of the main northern island of Luzon, which includes the capital's 12 million people.

Only essential workers and people buying food or medicine are officially allowed outside their homes, yet many others have flouted the rules.

In some places, impoverished day labourers have no choice but to go out looking for work, though police have also reported breaking up social events like amateur boxing matches.

Police said they have warned or arrested tens of thousands of people caught outside their homes without valid reasons.

The Philippines has detected some 5,660&nbsp;coronavirus cases, and recorded 362 deaths, but those figures are expected to climb as the nation ramps up testing.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened a martial law-like crackdown to stop people flouting a virus lockdown in the nation's capital. Duterte spoke a day after authorities reported an upsurge of cars on Manila's roads, which have been nearly deserted since a sweeping lockdown was imposed a month ago on about half the country's 110 million people.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened a martial law-like crackdown to stop people flouting a virus lockdown in the nation's capital. Duterte spoke a day after authorities reported an upsurge of cars on Manila's roads, which have been nearly deserted since a sweeping lockdown was imposed a month ago on about half the country's 110 million people. Also read: COVID-19 patients recovering quickly after getting remdesivir, an experimental drug "I'm just asking for a little discipline. If not, if you do not believe me, then the military and police will take over," Duterte said in a televised speech late Thursday. "The military and police will enforce social distancing at curfew... It's like martial law. You choose," he added. Also read: Hand-holding in coronavirus pandemic: Wealth managers grapple with new reality Duterte has repeatedly threatened to impose nationwide military rule over the Philippines, where the mere words evoke the worst rights abuses of the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship. The closest Duterte has come is the imposition of martial law over Mindanao, the nation's southern third, in response to Islamic State-inspired militants' siege of the city of Marawi. As reported cases of the new coronavirus started to climb in March, Duterte ordered a quarantine of the main northern island of Luzon, which includes the capital's 12 million people. Only essential workers and people buying food or medicine are officially allowed outside their homes, yet many others have flouted the rules. In some places, impoverished day labourers have no choice but to go out looking for work, though police have also reported breaking up social events like amateur boxing matches. Police said they have warned or arrested tens of thousands of people caught outside their homes without valid reasons. The Philippines has detected some 5,660 coronavirus cases, and recorded 362 deaths, but those figures are expected to climb as the nation ramps up testing.

Philippines' Duterte threatens martial law-like virus crackdown

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte sparked a controversy in the country after he told security forces to "shoot" people who are found violating the lockdown measures.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte sparked a controversy in the country after he told security forces to "shoot" people who are found violating the lockdown measures. He also warned that the abuse of medical staff would not be tolerated and it is a serious crime. "My orders are to the police and military, also village officials, that if there is trouble or the situation arises that people fight and your lives are on the line, shoot them dead," Duterte said during a speech on Wednesday. "Instead of causing trouble, I'll send you to the grave," he said, adding that the outbreak is getting worse more than two weeks into the lockdown. The Philippines has so far detected 2,311 cases and reported 96 deaths, but the country has only begun ramping up testing and so the number of confirmed infections is expected to keep rising. The latest comments immediately sparked criticism from rights groups as they urged the government to provide much-needed relief supplies instead of issuing threats. "It is deeply alarming that President Duterte has extended policy of shoot-to-kill... Deadly, unchecked force should never be referred to as a method to respond to an emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic," Amnesty International Philippines said in a statement. Duterte, who came to power in a landslide 2016 election victory, is known internationally for his foul-mouthed tirades and deadly crackdown on drugs, which is overwhelmingly supported by Filipinos. The quarantine, which affects Manila's 12 million people, has shuttered most businesses and brought nearly all social, religious and business activity to a halt. The Philippines has so far detected 2,311 cases and reported 96 deaths, but the country has only begun ramping up testing and so the number of confirmed infections is expected to keep rising. (With inputs from agencies)

'I'll send you to grave': Duterte tells security forces to shoot dead coronavirus lockdown violators

President of Philippines Rodrigo Duterte will be tested for the novel coronavirus despite not showing any symptoms, his spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement as two of his key government officials went into quarantine after they came into contact with an infected person.

In response, the Senate building and Philippine central bank were undergoing cleaning, and several officials announced they would isolate themselves as a precaution.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-duterte-to-declare-public-health-emergency-to-combat-coronavirus-284922">Philippines' Duterte to declare public health emergency to combat coronavirus</a>

Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Nancy Binay said they were having themselves quarantined after meeting with a witness during a committee hearing on March 5, who was confirmed to be infected by the virus.

The precautions are being taken considering the spurt in the number of COVID-19 cases.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-infects-100000-plus-worldwide-21-cases-found-on-ship-off-san-francisco-284865">Coronavirus infects 100,000-plus worldwide, 21 cases found on ship off San Francisco</a>

Central bank Governor Benjamin Diokno, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez and Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade separately announced of going into quarantine as a precautionary measure after meeting with an infected person, according to South China Morning Post.

An inter-agency task force on emerging infectious diseases will meet on Thursday to discuss urgent measures amid the outbreak.

President of Philippines Rodrigo Duterte will be tested for the novel coronavirus despite not showing any symptoms, his spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement as two of his key government officials went into quarantine after they came into contact with an infected person.

President of Philippines Rodrigo Duterte will be tested for the novel coronavirus despite not showing any symptoms, his spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement as two of his key government officials went into quarantine after they came into contact with an infected person. In response, the Senate building and Philippine central bank were undergoing cleaning, and several officials announced they would isolate themselves as a precaution. Also read: Philippines' Duterte to declare public health emergency to combat coronavirus Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Nancy Binay said they were having themselves quarantined after meeting with a witness during a committee hearing on March 5, who was confirmed to be infected by the virus. The precautions are being taken considering the spurt in the number of COVID-19 cases. Also see: Coronavirus infects 100,000-plus worldwide, 21 cases found on ship off San Francisco Central bank Governor Benjamin Diokno, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez and Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade separately announced of going into quarantine as a precautionary measure after meeting with an infected person, according to South China Morning Post. An inter-agency task force on emerging infectious diseases will meet on Thursday to discuss urgent measures amid the outbreak.

Philippines President Duterte to undergo Covid-19 testing

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte plans to declare a nationwide public health emergency following confirmation of the country's first community transmission of the disease, the presidential aide said on Saturday.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-to-over-1480-japan-confirms-first-death-280603">&nbsp;China's coronavirus death toll rises to over 1,480; Japan confirms first death</a>

Earlier in the day, the nation's health officials said the new coronavirus recorded its first case of local transmission and called for measures to contain its spread.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-coronavirus-deaths-in-us-as-lawmakers-reach-83-billion-funding-deal-284353">New coronavirus deaths in US as lawmakers reach $8.3 billion funding deal</a>

Duterte has agreed to declare a health emergency following the latest development, Bong Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and a close aide of the president, told reporters.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte plans to declare a nationwide public health emergency following confirmation of the country's first community transmission of the disease, the presidential aide said on Saturday.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte plans to declare a nationwide public health emergency following confirmation of the country's first community transmission of the disease, the presidential aide said on Saturday. Also Read: China's coronavirus death toll rises to over 1,480; Japan confirms first death Earlier in the day, the nation's health officials said the new coronavirus recorded its first case of local transmission and called for measures to contain its spread. Also Read: New coronavirus deaths in US as lawmakers reach $8.3 billion funding deal Duterte has agreed to declare a health emergency following the latest development, Bong Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and a close aide of the president, told reporters.

Philippines' Duterte to declare public health emergency to combat coronavirus

Philippine President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-rage-in-philippine-capital-as-president-rodrigo-duterte-defends-china-relationship-237830">Rodrigo Duterte</a> has threatened to end a pact key to annual war games with American troops if the US does not restore the travel visa of an official who oversaw his drug war.

It is the latest in a long line of Duterte's threats to shrink or sever ties with historical ally Washington, which have periodically followed criticism of his deadly narcotics crackdown.

Duterte spoke after Ronald Dela Rosa, the former national police chief who is now a senator, said the US had canceled his visa but did not tell him why.

Dela Rosa was the first enforcer of Duterte's internationally condemned campaign, in which police say they have killed just over 5,500 alleged dealers and users.&nbsp;

Human rights advocates say the true toll is four times higher and could amount to crimes against humanity.&nbsp;

The US State Department and the embassy in Manila have not responded to requests for comment about Dela Rosa's visa. &nbsp;

Duterte went on the attack in a speech late Thursday.&nbsp;

"Now, they won't let Bato go to America", he said, using Dela Rosa's nickname.&nbsp;

"If you do not make a correction there, one, I will terminate the bases Visiting Forces Agreement," Duterte added. "I'm giving... the American government one month from now."

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-wants-military-cooperation-pact-with-sri-lanka-to-tackle-red-tape-report-237424">Visiting Forces Agreement</a> (VFA) outlines the rules governing the conduct of US troops participating in joint military exercises in the Philippines.

The pact gave legal cover for the resumption of large-scale war games between the two allies after the US military closed its Philippine bases in the 1990s amid rising anti-US sentiment.

Duterte also threatened in 2016 to cancel the agreement but has generally attacked ties with the US, including an announced "separation" from its former colonial master.

Until now the president has not made good on those threats, some of which came after then US president Barack Obama was critical of Duterte's crackdown in 2016.

Relations between Washington and Manila under President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/saudi-arabia-policy-shift-a-rare-donald-trumps-foreign-policy-success-252387">Donald Trump</a>, who has voiced support for Duterte, are on a stronger footing.&nbsp;

However, recent criticism from US lawmakers has introduced new tensions.

The Philippines in December barred US senators <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-bans-two-us-senators-mulls-new-visa-rules-for-americans-270538">Richard Durbin</a> and Patrick Leahy, who were behind a measure to prevent officials involved in the incarceration of Senator Leila de Lima from entering the US.&nbsp;

De Lima, one of the highest-profile critics of Duterte's narcotics crackdown, has been held since February 2017 over a&nbsp;drug charge that she claims was fabricated to silence her.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to end a pact key to annual war games with American troops if the US does not restore the travel visa of an official who oversaw his drug war.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to end a pact key to annual war games with American troops if the US does not restore the travel visa of an official who oversaw his drug war. It is the latest in a long line of Duterte's threats to shrink or sever ties with historical ally Washington, which have periodically followed criticism of his deadly narcotics crackdown. Duterte spoke after Ronald Dela Rosa, the former national police chief who is now a senator, said the US had canceled his visa but did not tell him why. Dela Rosa was the first enforcer of Duterte's internationally condemned campaign, in which police say they have killed just over 5,500 alleged dealers and users. Human rights advocates say the true toll is four times higher and could amount to crimes against humanity. The US State Department and the embassy in Manila have not responded to requests for comment about Dela Rosa's visa. Duterte went on the attack in a speech late Thursday. "Now, they won't let Bato go to America", he said, using Dela Rosa's nickname. "If you do not make a correction there, one, I will terminate the bases Visiting Forces Agreement," Duterte added. "I'm giving... the American government one month from now." The Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) outlines the rules governing the conduct of US troops participating in joint military exercises in the Philippines. The pact gave legal cover for the resumption of large-scale war games between the two allies after the US military closed its Philippine bases in the 1990s amid rising anti-US sentiment. Duterte also threatened in 2016 to cancel the agreement but has generally attacked ties with the US, including an announced "separation" from its former colonial master. Until now the president has not made good on those threats, some of which came after then US president Barack Obama was critical of Duterte's crackdown in 2016. Relations between Washington and Manila under President Donald Trump, who has voiced support for Duterte, are on a stronger footing. However, recent criticism from US lawmakers has introduced new tensions. The Philippines in December barred US senators Richard Durbin and Patrick Leahy, who were behind a measure to prevent officials involved in the incarceration of Senator Leila de Lima from entering the US. De Lima, one of the highest-profile critics of Duterte's narcotics crackdown, has been held since February 2017 over a drug charge that she claims was fabricated to silence her.

Philippines President Duterte threatens to end US military pact

As tension is rising between the United States and Iran after the killing of Iranian's top military commander, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-criticises-russia-china-at-un-over-failure-to-condemn-baghdad-embassy-attack-272600">Qasem Soleimani</a>, the Philippines government is preparing to evacuate thousands of Filipinos working in the Middle East region.&nbsp;

About 2.3 million people from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-from-philippines-typhoon-hits-50-271165">Philippines</a>&nbsp;are working in the&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East&nbsp;as domestic helpers, construction&nbsp;workers, engineers, and nurses.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/take-it-or-leave-it-duterte-on-water-distribution-contract-272682">Rodrigo Duterte</a> has ordered the armed forces to prepare air and naval assets for the evacuation of Filipinos in Iraq, Iran, and nearby Arab countries, his spokesman Salvador Panelo said on Tuesday.

Saying he was deeply worried about the prospect of a "protracted-war", Duterte told reporters he sent a special envoy to Tehran and Baghdad to get assurances that Filipinos would be provided safe passage in case of evacuation.

"We have so many Filipinos working mainly in the&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East. I am nervous. Iran seems to be hell-bent on retaliation, which I think will come," Duterte said in a speech on Monday.

There are close to 7,000 Filipinos working and living in Iraq and more than 1,000 in Iran, according to government data.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who heads a newly created committee to prepare the evacuation, said the government is readying aircraft to ferry Filipinos in Iraq and Iran who wish to come home or be&nbsp;evacuated to safer areas.

"We can send transportation to fetch them," Lorenza told reporters, adding that hiring a cruise ship was among the things the government was considering to safely&nbsp;evacuate&nbsp;those who would wish to be repatriated.

Iran is considering 13 scenarios to avenge Friday's killing of Qassem Soleimani by a US&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-never-have-a-nuclear-weapon-says-trump-as-tehran-mourns-suleimani-272585">drone attack</a> in Iraq, a senior Tehran official said on Tuesday as the general's body was brought to his hometown for burial.

Filipinos in the&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East&nbsp;sent home $5.4 billion in remittances from January to October last year, accounting for a fifth of total remittances for that period, making the region a major source of foreign exchange inflows which help drive growth in the consumption-led Philippine economy.

In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-offer-to-host-apec-not-a-good-idea-malaysia-260620">Saifuddin Abdullah</a> advised Malaysians to defer nonessential travel to the region, "in particular areas where the security situation is critical", and for citizens in the region to register with their nearest foreign mission.

"The ministry advises all Malaysians residing, or currently traveling to the region to be more vigilant and take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety and security,” Saifuddin told at a press conference.

As tension is rising between the United States and Iran after the killing of Iranian's top military commander, Qasem Soleimani, the Philippines government is preparing to evacuate thousands of Filipinos working in the Middle East region.

As tension is rising between the United States and Iran after the killing of Iranian's top military commander, Qasem Soleimani, the Philippines government is preparing to evacuate thousands of Filipinos working in the Middle East region. About 2.3 million people from the Philippines are working in the Middle East as domestic helpers, construction workers, engineers, and nurses. President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the armed forces to prepare air and naval assets for the evacuation of Filipinos in Iraq, Iran, and nearby Arab countries, his spokesman Salvador Panelo said on Tuesday. Saying he was deeply worried about the prospect of a "protracted-war", Duterte told reporters he sent a special envoy to Tehran and Baghdad to get assurances that Filipinos would be provided safe passage in case of evacuation. "We have so many Filipinos working mainly in the Middle East. I am nervous. Iran seems to be hell-bent on retaliation, which I think will come," Duterte said in a speech on Monday. There are close to 7,000 Filipinos working and living in Iraq and more than 1,000 in Iran, according to government data. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who heads a newly created committee to prepare the evacuation, said the government is readying aircraft to ferry Filipinos in Iraq and Iran who wish to come home or be evacuated to safer areas. "We can send transportation to fetch them," Lorenza told reporters, adding that hiring a cruise ship was among the things the government was considering to safely evacuate those who would wish to be repatriated. Iran is considering 13 scenarios to avenge Friday's killing of Qassem Soleimani by a US drone attack in Iraq, a senior Tehran official said on Tuesday as the general's body was brought to his hometown for burial. Filipinos in the Middle East sent home $5.4 billion in remittances from January to October last year, accounting for a fifth of total remittances for that period, making the region a major source of foreign exchange inflows which help drive growth in the consumption-led Philippine economy. In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah advised Malaysians to defer nonessential travel to the region, "in particular areas where the security situation is critical", and for citizens in the region to register with their nearest foreign mission. "The ministry advises all Malaysians residing, or currently traveling to the region to be more vigilant and take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety and security,” Saifuddin told at a press conference.

Philippines prepares for 'evacuation' of citizens in Middle East

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-from-philippines-typhoon-hits-50-271165">Philippine</a> government will take over the capital's water distribution services if the two largest water firms refuse to accept the terms of new contracts that will be offered to them, the presidential spokesman said on Tuesday.

Maynilad Water Services Inc and Manila Water Co Inc serve a combined 16 million customers under 25-year concession deals signed in 1997, but President Rodrigo Duterte labelled the agreements "onerous and disadvantageous" for ratepayers.

The firebrand leader in December ordered criminal charges filed against the two companies, including their billionaire owners. Earlier that month, they had won arbitration cases in Singapore against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-bans-two-us-senators-mulls-new-visa-rules-for-americans-270538">government</a>.

"The chief executive is giving the water concessionaires the option of accepting the new contracts minus the onerous provisions without any guarantee of not being criminally prosecuted together with those who conspired to craft the very onerous contracts," Salvador Panelo, Duterte's spokesman, told a news conference.

Watch: Philippines -&nbsp;Protest against Duterte's war on drugs

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"Should Maynilad and Manila Water refuse to accept the new agreements, the president will order the cancellation of their present water contracts, order the nationalisation of water services in their respective areas of operation," Panelo said.

Manila Water and Maynilad did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The market cheered the news that the two firms would be allowed to continue to operate if they adhered to the government's conditions.

Manila Water, which fell as much as 73 per cent&nbsp;and lost as much as $556 million in market value last month, rallied nearly 15 per cent&nbsp;on Tuesday after the announcement, while parent firm Ayala Corp, which shed up to $875 million in market capitalisation, gained 1.5 per cent.

Maynilad owners Metro Pacific Investments Corp and DMCI Holdings Inc, rose 3.2 per cent and 3.9 per cent, respectively, on Tuesday. The two firms collectively lost as much as $1.45 billion in market value after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jail-me-hang-me-philippines-duterte-firm-he-wont-answer-to-international-court-of-criminal-269397">Duterte</a>'s criticism.

Last month, the state water regulator cancelled a 15-year extension of the water utilities' concession after pressure from Duterte. The existing concessions will expire in 2022.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/singapore-adds-bengaluru-to-its-global-innovation-alliance-255771">Singapore</a> last month ordered the Philippine government to pay Manila Water 7.4 billion pesos ($145.55 million) to recoup foregone revenues from rate increases that were rejected by regulators. Maynilad won a separate arbitration last year.

The companies had said they would forfeit any damage claims to avoid angering the president, who enjoys high public approval ratings.

The Philippine government will take over the capital's water distribution services if the two largest water firms refuse to accept the terms of new contracts that will be offered to them, the presidential spokesman said on Tuesday.

The Philippine government will take over the capital's water distribution services if the two largest water firms refuse to accept the terms of new contracts that will be offered to them, the presidential spokesman said on Tuesday. Maynilad Water Services Inc and Manila Water Co Inc serve a combined 16 million customers under 25-year concession deals signed in 1997, but President Rodrigo Duterte labelled the agreements "onerous and disadvantageous" for ratepayers. The firebrand leader in December ordered criminal charges filed against the two companies, including their billionaire owners. Earlier that month, they had won arbitration cases in Singapore against the government. "The chief executive is giving the water concessionaires the option of accepting the new contracts minus the onerous provisions without any guarantee of not being criminally prosecuted together with those who conspired to craft the very onerous contracts," Salvador Panelo, Duterte's spokesman, told a news conference. Watch: Philippines - Protest against Duterte's war on drugs × "Should Maynilad and Manila Water refuse to accept the new agreements, the president will order the cancellation of their present water contracts, order the nationalisation of water services in their respective areas of operation," Panelo said. Manila Water and Maynilad did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The market cheered the news that the two firms would be allowed to continue to operate if they adhered to the government's conditions. Manila Water, which fell as much as 73 per cent and lost as much as $556 million in market value last month, rallied nearly 15 per cent on Tuesday after the announcement, while parent firm Ayala Corp, which shed up to $875 million in market capitalisation, gained 1.5 per cent. Maynilad owners Metro Pacific Investments Corp and DMCI Holdings Inc, rose 3.2 per cent and 3.9 per cent, respectively, on Tuesday. The two firms collectively lost as much as $1.45 billion in market value after Duterte's criticism. Last month, the state water regulator cancelled a 15-year extension of the water utilities' concession after pressure from Duterte. The existing concessions will expire in 2022. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in Singapore last month ordered the Philippine government to pay Manila Water 7.4 billion pesos ($145.55 million) to recoup foregone revenues from rate increases that were rejected by regulators. Maynilad won a separate arbitration last year. The companies had said they would forfeit any damage claims to avoid angering the president, who enjoys high public approval ratings.

Take it or leave it: Duterte on water distribution contract

The Philippines has banned two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-lawmakers-urge-trump-administration-to-restore-indias-trade-privileges-250358">US&nbsp;lawmakers</a> from visiting and will introduce tighter entry restrictions for US&nbsp;citizens should Washington enforce sanctions over the detention of a top government critic, the president's spokesman said on Friday.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rodrigo-dutertes-report-card-wion-gravitas-1497">Rodrigo Duterte</a> will impose a requirement on US&nbsp;nationals to get visas should any Philippine officials involved in the incarceration of Senator Leila de Lima be denied entry to the United States, as sought by US&nbsp;senators <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-do-we-want-people-from-these-shithole-countries-trump-over-immigrants-from-africa-haiti-29278">Richard Durbin</a> and Patrick Leahy.

Duterte's move comes after the US Congress approved a 2020 budget that contains a provision introduced by the senators against anyone involved in holding de Lima, who was charged with drug offences in early 2017 after she led an investigation into mass killings during Duterte's notorious anti-drugs crackdown.

"We will not sit idly if they continue to interfere with our processes as a sovereign state," Philippine presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo told a regular news conference.

The Philippines grants visa-free entry for up to 30 days to Americans, 792,000 of whom visited in the first nine months of 2019, nearly 13 per cent&nbsp;of foreign arrivals, government data showed.

The US&nbsp;embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Panelo said travel restrictions over de Lima's detention were nonsense because she was not wrongfully imprisoned but detained pending trial for crimes.

"The case of Senator de Lima is not one of persecution but of prosecution," he said.

Duterte makes no secret of his disdain for the United States and what he considers its hypocrisy and interference, though he admits that most Filipinos and his military have high regard for their country's former colonial ruler.

The United States is the Philippine's biggest defence ally and its main source of Western influence. Millions of Filipinos have relatives who are US&nbsp;citizens.

De Lima, a justice minister in a former administration, on Wednesday, expressed what she described as overwhelming gratitude to the US&nbsp;Congress for its help.

She has won numerous awards from human rights groups, who consider her a prisoner of conscience.

She has constantly spoken out against Duterte and been calling for an international investigation into his war on drugs, in which thousands of people have been killed.

Police say those killed were drug dealers who resisted arrest, but activists believe many of the killings were murders.

The Philippines has banned two US lawmakers from visiting and will introduce tighter entry restrictions for US citizens should Washington enforce sanctions over the detention of a top government critic, the president's spokesman said on Friday.

The Philippines has banned two US lawmakers from visiting and will introduce tighter entry restrictions for US citizens should Washington enforce sanctions over the detention of a top government critic, the president's spokesman said on Friday. President Rodrigo Duterte will impose a requirement on US nationals to get visas should any Philippine officials involved in the incarceration of Senator Leila de Lima be denied entry to the United States, as sought by US senators Richard Durbin and Patrick Leahy. Duterte's move comes after the US Congress approved a 2020 budget that contains a provision introduced by the senators against anyone involved in holding de Lima, who was charged with drug offences in early 2017 after she led an investigation into mass killings during Duterte's notorious anti-drugs crackdown. "We will not sit idly if they continue to interfere with our processes as a sovereign state," Philippine presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo told a regular news conference. The Philippines grants visa-free entry for up to 30 days to Americans, 792,000 of whom visited in the first nine months of 2019, nearly 13 per cent of foreign arrivals, government data showed. The US embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Panelo said travel restrictions over de Lima's detention were nonsense because she was not wrongfully imprisoned but detained pending trial for crimes. "The case of Senator de Lima is not one of persecution but of prosecution," he said. Duterte makes no secret of his disdain for the United States and what he considers its hypocrisy and interference, though he admits that most Filipinos and his military have high regard for their country's former colonial ruler. The United States is the Philippine's biggest defence ally and its main source of Western influence. Millions of Filipinos have relatives who are US citizens. De Lima, a justice minister in a former administration, on Wednesday, expressed what she described as overwhelming gratitude to the US Congress for its help. She has won numerous awards from human rights groups, who consider her a prisoner of conscience. She has constantly spoken out against Duterte and been calling for an international investigation into his war on drugs, in which thousands of people have been killed. Police say those killed were drug dealers who resisted arrest, but activists believe many of the killings were murders.

Philippines bans two US senators, mulls new visa rules for Americans

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday challenged International Criminal Court to jail him or hang him over alleged extrajudicial killings in his war on drugs as he maintained his firm stand that he will not honour the court investigation.

Duterte said, he is "responsible to the Filipino" and they will only judge him.

In a speech to military cadets, Duterte said, "You do not scare me that you will jail me in the International Criminal Court. I will never allow myself to answer these whites."

"I will never, never, never answer any question coming from you. It's bulls**t to me. I am only responsible to the Filipino. Filipinos will judge."

He added, "And if you hang me for all what I did, go ahead. It will be my pleasure."

His remarks were the latest vows of defiance against the court in The Hague that has yet to decide whether to investigate him over thousands of deaths in his crackdown, during which activists say crimes against humanity were committed.

Duterte has also blasted the United Nations after its human rights body approved a resolution in July to investigate alleged abuses in the Philippines.

In February 2018, ICC announced a preliminary examination into the drug killings, to which Duterte responded by cancelling his country's membership of the court.

In a scheduled December 5 report on its activities worldwide, the ICC said it had "significantly advanced" its examination and aimed to finalise it in 2020, then decide whether to seek a formal investigation.

Human rights groups say Duterte's anti-drug crackdown had led to systematic executions and police cover-ups. Police reject that and say the nearly 7,000 people they have killed were armed drug suspects who resisted arrest.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday challenged International Criminal Court to jail him or hang him over alleged extrajudicial killings in his war on drugs as he maintained his firm stand that he will not honour the court investigation.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday challenged International Criminal Court to jail him or hang him over alleged extrajudicial killings in his war on drugs as he maintained his firm stand that he will not honour the court investigation. Duterte said, he is "responsible to the Filipino" and they will only judge him. In a speech to military cadets, Duterte said, "You do not scare me that you will jail me in the International Criminal Court. I will never allow myself to answer these whites." "I will never, never, never answer any question coming from you. It's bulls**t to me. I am only responsible to the Filipino. Filipinos will judge." He added, "And if you hang me for all what I did, go ahead. It will be my pleasure." His remarks were the latest vows of defiance against the court in The Hague that has yet to decide whether to investigate him over thousands of deaths in his crackdown, during which activists say crimes against humanity were committed. Duterte has also blasted the United Nations after its human rights body approved a resolution in July to investigate alleged abuses in the Philippines. In February 2018, ICC announced a preliminary examination into the drug killings, to which Duterte responded by cancelling his country's membership of the court. In a scheduled December 5 report on its activities worldwide, the ICC said it had "significantly advanced" its examination and aimed to finalise it in 2020, then decide whether to seek a formal investigation. Human rights groups say Duterte's anti-drug crackdown had led to systematic executions and police cover-ups. Police reject that and say the nearly 7,000 people they have killed were armed drug suspects who resisted arrest.

Jail me, hang me: Philippines' Duterte firm he won't answer to International Court of Criminal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ar-rahman-and-u2-collaborate-for-a-new-single-ahead-of-bands-maiden-concert-in-india-263943">U2</a> frontman Bono said Tuesday there must be no compromise on human rights, in a rebuke of Philippine <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/want-to-ban-toxic-vaping-philippines-president-duterte-263244">President Rodrigo Duterte</a> ahead of the Irish rockers' first Manila concert.

The Philippine leader has waged a deadly war on drugs that has claimed thousands of lives.

Overwhelmingly backed by Filipinos but condemned by critics who say it is a war crime, the killings by police as well as unknown suspects are the subject of a preliminary inquiry by the International Criminal Court prosecutor.

The rock icon, a longtime member of Amnesty International, a critic of Duterte's drug war, said human rights are "critical" which he takes "very seriously".

"I would just say you can't compromise on human rights and that's my soft message to the president," Bono said, when asked about his views on the Philippines' overall human rights situation in the country.

Duterte, elected in a landslide in 2016, told supporters on the stump to "forget the laws on human rights" as he vowed to kill 100,000 criminals and dump their bodies into Manila Bay to fatten the fish.

He has also told police he will have their backs, vowing to hand out presidential pardons should they be prosecuted and sent to jail while enforcing his crackdown.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/post-berlin-gig-voice-loss-episode-u2s-bono-says-will-be-back-to-full-voice-163277">Bono</a>, in Manila for a U2 concert Wednesday, said he has no plans to see the Filipino leader, adding: "President Duterte is very popular. He doesn't need me on his side."

U2 are in Asia for their Joshua Tree Tour 2019 that will wrap up in the Indian city of Mumbai on Sunday.

Earlier stops included Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, as well as Singapore, Tokyo, and Seoul.

Bono was not the first outspoken musician to speak out against Duterte's drug war.&nbsp;

In 2016, American singer James Taylor cancelled his planned Manila concert to protest extrajudicial killings in the country.&nbsp;

Duterte's drug war has killed over 5,500 alleged dealers and users who fought back during arrests, but watchdogs say the actual toll is at least four times higher.&nbsp;

International Criminal Court prosecutors have launched a preliminary probe of the killing, and the UN's top rights body voted in favour an in-depth review.

U2 frontman Bono said Tuesday there must be no compromise on human rights, in a rebuke of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ahead of the Irish rockers' first Manila concert.

U2 frontman Bono said Tuesday there must be no compromise on human rights, in a rebuke of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ahead of the Irish rockers' first Manila concert. The Philippine leader has waged a deadly war on drugs that has claimed thousands of lives. Overwhelmingly backed by Filipinos but condemned by critics who say it is a war crime, the killings by police as well as unknown suspects are the subject of a preliminary inquiry by the International Criminal Court prosecutor. The rock icon, a longtime member of Amnesty International, a critic of Duterte's drug war, said human rights are "critical" which he takes "very seriously". "I would just say you can't compromise on human rights and that's my soft message to the president," Bono said, when asked about his views on the Philippines' overall human rights situation in the country. Duterte, elected in a landslide in 2016, told supporters on the stump to "forget the laws on human rights" as he vowed to kill 100,000 criminals and dump their bodies into Manila Bay to fatten the fish. He has also told police he will have their backs, vowing to hand out presidential pardons should they be prosecuted and sent to jail while enforcing his crackdown. Bono, in Manila for a U2 concert Wednesday, said he has no plans to see the Filipino leader, adding: "President Duterte is very popular. He doesn't need me on his side." U2 are in Asia for their Joshua Tree Tour 2019 that will wrap up in the Indian city of Mumbai on Sunday. Earlier stops included Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, as well as Singapore, Tokyo, and Seoul. Bono was not the first outspoken musician to speak out against Duterte's drug war. In 2016, American singer James Taylor cancelled his planned Manila concert to protest extrajudicial killings in the country. Duterte's drug war has killed over 5,500 alleged dealers and users who fought back during arrests, but watchdogs say the actual toll is at least four times higher. International Criminal Court prosecutors have launched a preliminary probe of the killing, and the UN's top rights body voted in favour an in-depth review.

Bono: 'No compromise' on human rights in the Philippines

Just hours after Philippine President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-president-picks-top-drug-war-critic-as-his-drugs-tsar-260094">Rodrigo Duterte</a> announced he would ban<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/california-sues-e-cigarette-maker-juul-for-selling-nicotine-products-to-youth-263126"> e-cigarette</a> use, police were ordered on Wednesday to begin arresting people caught vaping in public and to confiscate the devices.

The abrupt prohibition, revealed by Duterte late Tuesday, adds to a growing global backlash against a product once promoted as less harmful than smoking.

Duterte called the devices "toxic" and said vaping introduced "chemicals" into the user's body.

He then threatened to arrest anyone vaping publicly in a country that already has some of Asia's toughest anti-smoking rules.

The president, a former smoker, is notorious internationally for his deadly anti-narcotics crackdown, but he has also targeted tobacco with a wide-ranging ban on smoking in public.

Citing "the order of the president", the head of the Philippine police ordered "effective today, all police units nationwide to enforce the ban on the use of vapes; ensure that all violators will be arrested," according to a statement.

Duterte's order came days after Philippine health authorities reported the nation's first vaping-related lung injury, which resulted in a 16-year-old girl being hospitalised.

About 24 per cent of Filipinos were tobacco users according to a 2015 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-deploys-new-vaccine-against-superbug-typhoid-outbreak-262349">World Health Organization </a>study, the most recent available.

E-cigarettes do not "burn" but instead heat up a liquid,&nbsp;tasting of anything from bourbon to bubble gum, and which usually contains nicotine,&nbsp;that turns into vapour and is inhaled.

Just hours after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced he would ban e-cigarette use, police were ordered on Wednesday to begin arresting people caught vaping in public and to confiscate the devices.

Just hours after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced he would ban e-cigarette use, police were ordered on Wednesday to begin arresting people caught vaping in public and to confiscate the devices. The abrupt prohibition, revealed by Duterte late Tuesday, adds to a growing global backlash against a product once promoted as less harmful than smoking. Duterte called the devices "toxic" and said vaping introduced "chemicals" into the user's body. He then threatened to arrest anyone vaping publicly in a country that already has some of Asia's toughest anti-smoking rules. The president, a former smoker, is notorious internationally for his deadly anti-narcotics crackdown, but he has also targeted tobacco with a wide-ranging ban on smoking in public. Citing "the order of the president", the head of the Philippine police ordered "effective today, all police units nationwide to enforce the ban on the use of vapes; ensure that all violators will be arrested," according to a statement. Duterte's order came days after Philippine health authorities reported the nation's first vaping-related lung injury, which resulted in a 16-year-old girl being hospitalised. About 24 per cent of Filipinos were tobacco users according to a 2015 World Health Organization study, the most recent available. E-cigarettes do not "burn" but instead heat up a liquid, tasting of anything from bourbon to bubble gum, and which usually contains nicotine, that turns into vapour and is inhaled.

Arrests ordered in Philippines after enforcement of vaping ban

Philippine President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippine-president-sparks-outrage-for-calling-god-stupid-147127">Rodrigo Duterte</a> has appointed his main political rival, Leni Robredo, his "drugs tsar" after the opposition leader expressed alarm about the high death toll in his anti-narcotics campaign and said it needed a fresh approach.

The appointment follows critical remarks by Robredo during an interview with Reuters, and in subsequent media appearances, which angered the volatile Duterte and led to a torrent of social media fury at Robredo, who is his vice president but has no role in his administration.

Duterte's spokesman announced Robredo's appointment on Tuesday as co-chair of an inter-agency panel on drugs, which he said was genuine and not a cynical political play to discredit her, as her camp believed. The president has ordered all agencies to give her their full support.

"If she has been criticising the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-drugs-war-escalates-teenager-killed-19175">drug war</a> as ineffective, then there must be ideas on her mind to make it effective," Panelo said on television.

Robredo, 54, was elected separately to Duterte and is among a growing number of critics who say his approach has boosted his tough image but had little impact on the drugs trade or addiction rates.

She did not immediately confirm if she would take the job. Her spokesman has said she would not be a scapegoat for the shortcomings of Duterte's war on drugs.

He remains hugely popular because of his defiance of the international outcry caused by his signature crackdown, which human rights groups say involves systematic executions and police cover-ups. Police reject that and say the nearly 7,000 people they killed were armed drug suspects who resisted arrest.

Duterte is furious that the UN&nbsp;Human Rights Council wants to investigate the killings, adding to an ongoing preliminary examination by the International Criminal Court (ICC), of which Duterte has cancelled the Philippines' membership.

Obliged&nbsp;to&nbsp;accept

Allies of the president urged Robredo to take the post while the Dangerous Drugs Board and police said they welcomed her experience, ideas and a new perspective.

Political analyst Ramon Casiple said that politics aside, Robredo was not in a position to decline.

"There's the obligation, not just a personal decision. If you were elected and the president sought for help, you will," he said.

Duterte has openly insulted Robredo, who leads a party with diminished power and influence.

She advocates tackling drugs from a health, social and community perspective, including prevention and treatment rather than a largely police-centred approach.

Activists say police are operating with impunity, with the implied support of a president who once vowed to kill 100,000 dealers, and he would be happy to slaughter millions of addicts. He has since said he uses hyperbole to stress a point and denies inciting murder.

Estimates of the number killed during the drugs war vary significantly, but thousands of users and alleged dealers have wound up dead outside of official police operations, many in mysterious circumstances.

Robredo on October&nbsp;23 told Reuters that international help, including from the United Nations and ICC, should be sought if the government refused to change tack and stop abusive police. On Duterte's approach, she said: "Obviously, it's not working."

Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana of the Commission on Human Rights was hopeful Robredo could stop the killings.

"Are we going to look at addicts as victims?" she said. "The approach would not be to kill them but to rehabilitate them."

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed his main political rival, Leni Robredo, his "drugs tsar" after the opposition leader expressed alarm about the high death toll in his anti-narcotics campaign and said it needed a fresh approach.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed his main political rival, Leni Robredo, his "drugs tsar" after the opposition leader expressed alarm about the high death toll in his anti-narcotics campaign and said it needed a fresh approach. The appointment follows critical remarks by Robredo during an interview with Reuters, and in subsequent media appearances, which angered the volatile Duterte and led to a torrent of social media fury at Robredo, who is his vice president but has no role in his administration. Duterte's spokesman announced Robredo's appointment on Tuesday as co-chair of an inter-agency panel on drugs, which he said was genuine and not a cynical political play to discredit her, as her camp believed. The president has ordered all agencies to give her their full support. "If she has been criticising the drug war as ineffective, then there must be ideas on her mind to make it effective," Panelo said on television. Robredo, 54, was elected separately to Duterte and is among a growing number of critics who say his approach has boosted his tough image but had little impact on the drugs trade or addiction rates. She did not immediately confirm if she would take the job. Her spokesman has said she would not be a scapegoat for the shortcomings of Duterte's war on drugs. He remains hugely popular because of his defiance of the international outcry caused by his signature crackdown, which human rights groups say involves systematic executions and police cover-ups. Police reject that and say the nearly 7,000 people they killed were armed drug suspects who resisted arrest. Duterte is furious that the UN Human Rights Council wants to investigate the killings, adding to an ongoing preliminary examination by the International Criminal Court (ICC), of which Duterte has cancelled the Philippines' membership. Obliged to accept Allies of the president urged Robredo to take the post while the Dangerous Drugs Board and police said they welcomed her experience, ideas and a new perspective. Political analyst Ramon Casiple said that politics aside, Robredo was not in a position to decline. "There's the obligation, not just a personal decision. If you were elected and the president sought for help, you will," he said. Duterte has openly insulted Robredo, who leads a party with diminished power and influence. She advocates tackling drugs from a health, social and community perspective, including prevention and treatment rather than a largely police-centred approach. Activists say police are operating with impunity, with the implied support of a president who once vowed to kill 100,000 dealers, and he would be happy to slaughter millions of addicts. He has since said he uses hyperbole to stress a point and denies inciting murder. Estimates of the number killed during the drugs war vary significantly, but thousands of users and alleged dealers have wound up dead outside of official police operations, many in mysterious circumstances. Robredo on October 23 told Reuters that international help, including from the United Nations and ICC, should be sought if the government refused to change tack and stop abusive police. On Duterte's approach, she said: "Obviously, it's not working." Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana of the Commission on Human Rights was hopeful Robredo could stop the killings. "Are we going to look at addicts as victims?" she said. "The approach would not be to kill them but to rehabilitate them."

Philippines' President Duterte picks top drug war critic Robredo as his 'drugs tsar'

The Philippines' police chief stepped down on Monday less than a month before his retirement after he was accused of involvement in "recycling" confiscated drugs, an allegation that could undermine the government's anti-narcotics campaign.

President Rodrigo Duterte has made a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-war-on-drugs-and-crime-intensifies-at-least-58-killed-this-week-19125"> bloody war on drugs</a> his signature campaign, to the approval of most voters, despite international outrage about the bloodshed amid fears many suspected dealers have been killed by police in staged encounters and by death squads.

Duterte has rejected the accusations.

In testimony that has raised questions about the government's campaign, witnesses in Senate inquiries have accused police chief Oscar Albayalde of protecting officers who sold confiscated narcotics back onto the black market.

Albayalde denied the accusations and had ruled out resigning.

On Monday, he referred to the hearing and the fact he was being implicated in the scandal and said he was stepping down to make way for a new police chief.

"After careful thought and deliberation, I have come to the decision to relinquish my post as chief of the Philippine National Police," Albayalde said in the speech to police officers.

Albayalde, the second chief of the 191,000-strong force under Duterte, was the head of the Pampanga provincial police when 13 of its officers were accused of stealing about 160 kg&nbsp;of narcotics seized in a 2013 raid.

Albayalde had sought to prevent the dismissal of the 13, Senate witnesses said.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo told ANC news channel that perhaps Albayalde was stepping down because he had had enough of the "the accusations, the innuendos".

"He wants to spare the entire organisation from whatever speculations, bad or false about him and the organisation," Panelo said.

Albayalde was set to retire on Nov. 8.

The police are spearheading the anti-drugs campaign. They say they have killed more than 6,700 suspected drug dealers who resisted arrest, and deny involvement in the mysterious killing of thousands more suspected drug users.

But Duterte has at times criticised the force, once deriding it as "rotten to the core" and twice suspending anti-narcotics operations until the police cleaned up the force.

The thousands of killings, mostly of poor urban people, have alarmed rights groups. The 47-member U.N. Human Rights Council in July approved a resolution to investigate the crackdown.

Duterte condemned the proposed investigation.

The Philippines' police chief stepped down on Monday less than a month before his retirement after he was accused of involvement in "recycling" confiscated drugs, an allegation that could undermine the government's anti-narcotics campaign.

The Philippines' police chief stepped down on Monday less than a month before his retirement after he was accused of involvement in "recycling" confiscated drugs, an allegation that could undermine the government's anti-narcotics campaign. President Rodrigo Duterte has made a bloody war on drugs his signature campaign, to the approval of most voters, despite international outrage about the bloodshed amid fears many suspected dealers have been killed by police in staged encounters and by death squads. Duterte has rejected the accusations. In testimony that has raised questions about the government's campaign, witnesses in Senate inquiries have accused police chief Oscar Albayalde of protecting officers who sold confiscated narcotics back onto the black market. Albayalde denied the accusations and had ruled out resigning. On Monday, he referred to the hearing and the fact he was being implicated in the scandal and said he was stepping down to make way for a new police chief. "After careful thought and deliberation, I have come to the decision to relinquish my post as chief of the Philippine National Police," Albayalde said in the speech to police officers. Albayalde, the second chief of the 191,000-strong force under Duterte, was the head of the Pampanga provincial police when 13 of its officers were accused of stealing about 160 kg of narcotics seized in a 2013 raid. Albayalde had sought to prevent the dismissal of the 13, Senate witnesses said. Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo told ANC news channel that perhaps Albayalde was stepping down because he had had enough of the "the accusations, the innuendos". "He wants to spare the entire organisation from whatever speculations, bad or false about him and the organisation," Panelo said. Albayalde was set to retire on Nov. 8. The police are spearheading the anti-drugs campaign. They say they have killed more than 6,700 suspected drug dealers who resisted arrest, and deny involvement in the mysterious killing of thousands more suspected drug users. But Duterte has at times criticised the force, once deriding it as "rotten to the core" and twice suspending anti-narcotics operations until the police cleaned up the force. The thousands of killings, mostly of poor urban people, have alarmed rights groups. The 47-member U.N. Human Rights Council in July approved a resolution to investigate the crackdown. Duterte condemned the proposed investigation.

Top Philippine cop resigns after accusation of link to drug scandal

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