Inquirer

National survival is the be-all and end-all of states. By their very nature, therefore, states are never inherently defeatist. They safeguard their sovereignty even when the costs are high. But for six years, the Filipino people were given a lesson in surrender from the one podium that carries the p

MANILA, Philippines — A change in administration after the 2028 elections could slow the Philippines’ efforts to protect its interests in the West Philippine Sea, warned Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. even as he maintained the country continues to strengthen its defenses. Asked about

PAGASA ISLAND, Palawan — The local government of this island town in Palawan province, located in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), received a boost to its presence in the region after receiving an updated chart and map of its component islands and other features during the celebration of the Maritime

MANILA, Philippines — The United States (US) condemned China’s interference in a Philippine humanitarian rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea earlier this week. In a statement Sunday, US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton called out the China Coast G

[Updated Sept. 25, 2026, 4:19 p.m.] MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) suspended a rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal after Chinese coast guard and naval vessels interfered with the Philippine convoy, citing the risk of escalation. AFP

PAGASA ISLAND, KALAYAAN, Palawan — Renowned boxer and former Sen. Manny Pacquiao challenged critics he labeled “Filipino traitors” to visit this island to experience the realities of living in a maritime dispute with China. Pacquiao, now chair and lead convenor of the National Anti

MANILA, Philippines — All preparations and ongoing activities for the November 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) have been canceled following the enactment of the law postponing the polls, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair George Erwin Garcia said. President Marcos signed

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela on Friday said that China was asserting its position in the WPS after the latest interference of Chinese coast guard and naval vessels against a Philippine convoy. “The main i

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed a law moving the next Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to November 2028 and extending the term of incumbent officials from four to five years. The extension gives them a longer term of office than other local officials

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) aborted a rotation and resupply (Rore) mission to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal after Chinese vessels began closing in on the Philippine convoy while it was still about 111 kilometers from the military outpost, with commanders citing th