Latest news with #FerdinandMarcosJr
South China Morning Post
15-06-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Will Sara Duterte revive her dad's softer China stance if she wins 2028 Philippines vote?
With Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr about halfway through his six-year term, questions are growing over whether his successor will uphold his firmer stance on the South China Sea or, as one senior official has warned, retreat to the symbolic 'jet ski' posturing and softer policies seen under his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte Last month's midterm elections delivered a split Senate, with Marcos-aligned candidates winning five of the 12 contested seats and Duterte allies clinching the other five – highlighting the deepening rivalry between the two dominant political clans and setting the stage for a contentious 2028 presidential election. The remaining two seats were won by opposition candidates not aligned with either Marcos or Duterte. Commodore Jay Tarriela, the Philippine Coast Guard's spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, warned over the weekend that Manila must guard against electing a leader in 2028 who would once again 'ride a jet ski' on empty promises rather than assert the country's sovereign rights. Speaking at a public forum last week, Tarriela credited the Marcos administration with restoring public confidence in the country's claims to the West Philippine Sea – the term Manila uses for the portion of the South China Sea within its exclusive economic zone. He urged vigilance to ensure that momentum is not lost after Marcos leaves office. Commodore Jay Tarriela speaks at a Manila forum on August 19, 2024, following a collision between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the South China Sea. Photo: AFP 'What if it's 2028 already? It's the end of President Marcos Jnr's term. How can we assure that our fight in the West Philippine Sea will continue?' Tarriela asked.
Qatar Tribune
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Amir congratulates Philippines prez
His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has sent a cable of congratulations to President of the Republic of the Philippines HE Ferdinand Marcos Jr on the anniversary of his country's Independence Day.
South China Morning Post
12-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Philippines' Marcos softens stance amid economic pressures but will China bite?
President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr 's recent call to Filipino-Chinese businessmen to boost Manila's bilateral ties with Beijing has raised the possibility that the Philippine leader is softening his stance on China. However, while the president's sudden pivot could signal a recalibration of his approach, observers say the move is unlikely to yield any results in the near term because of his earlier hardline policy, including a statement earlier this month by his defence chief at a major security summit in Singapore. At an oath-taking ceremony of 265 newly elected officers of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc (FFCCCII) at the group's office in Manila on Tuesday, Marcos urged business leaders to promote the country as a 'dependable economic partner' to China 'You are uniquely positioned to help deepen our international partnerships, particularly, of course, with China. Stronger ties mean better trade, greater investments, and enhanced collaboration,' the president said. 'Our story is shaped not just by treaties or official documents, but by consistent cooperation: relief efforts in times of crisis, educational initiatives, cultural exchanges and economic ventures.' Marcos (right) and his family lead Independence Day flag-raising and wreath-laying rites at the Jose Rizal monument on Thursday. Photo: EPA-EFE Wilson Lee Flores, a political-economic analyst and honorary chairman of the Anvil Business Club in Manila who attended the event, said traders were surprised by the president's tone.
Qatar Tribune
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Amir sends congratulations to president of Philippines
DOHA: His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has sent a cable of congratulations to President of the Republic of the Philippines HE Ferdinand Marcos Jr on the anniversary of his country's Independence Day.
The Star
12-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Marcos to Filipinos: Protect our liberty; ‘apathy' is freedom's enemy
MANILA: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr (pic) on Independence Day said that freedom must be defended and upheld, warning that its greatest enemy is 'apathy' toward national issues. In his speech during the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at Quirino Grandstand on Thursday (June 12), Marcos also paid tribute to the nation's forefathers who fought for freedom. 'From their sacrifices, the Republic of the Philippines gradually emerged,' he said. 'Today, we can freely express our thoughts without fear and pursue our desires without avoidance. In the New Philippines, sharing one's opinion is not a crime, much less is criticism a wrongdoing. On the contrary, it is what gives life and lustre to our democracy,' he added. Marcos stressed that freedom and democracy — like love for one's homeland — must be nurtured, protected, and fought for. 'Because the true enemy of freedom is apathy—apathy to the cries of the people, apathy to the condition of our fellow citizens, apathy to the welfare of our nation,' he added. As a public servant himself, Marcos urged all government officials not to take the public's trust for granted. 'From broken bridges and roads to expensive food and power shortages, the people long for genuine action and service. The solution lies in improving the quality of life for everyone,' he said. 'We must hasten our response to the needs of our fellow citizens, raise the quality of public service, and correct our shortcomings,' he added. 'Let us hold accountable not only those who abuse their power but also those who fall short in their duty to serve.' Marcos also said that fake news and misinformation can erase one's way of life, culture, and value system. 'Endless lies—false news and misinformation—are the plagues of our freedom,' he said. 'It is also disheartening that some of our fellow citizens continue to push false beliefs—not for the good of the Filipino people, but to serve the interests of others,' he added. He then called on Filipinos to always choose honesty, even when no one is watching, and to take a stand, especially when wrongdoing occurs. 'Let us honour this day not just by remembering the sacrifices of our forefathers. We must live with the same courage and love of country; for freedom is not just something that we inherit but a right that we must protect every single day,' he said. He also reminded the public that 'freedom is fleeting,' and it should be cherished every day. Marcos led the celebration of the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence in a ceremony held at Rizal Park. He spearheaded the flag-raising at the Independence Flagpole and the wreath-laying at the Rizal National Monument, followed by the Parada ng Kalayaan 2025, which highlighted key historical events that shaped the nation's path to independence. Simultaneous flag-raising ceremonies were also conducted at various historical sites, including the Dambanang Emilio Aguinaldo in Cavite, Barasoain Church Historical Landmark in Malolos City, Bulacan, Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine in San Juan City, and the Andres Bonifacio National Monument in Caloocan City. In his Independence Day message earlier in the day, Marcos urged Filipinos to value the nation's heritage by protecting their rights and freedoms and using them to uplift and safeguard others. 'So, let us continue to bear the vigor of our ancestors as we defend our nation against those who seek to diminish the strength of our people,' he added. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
