President Duterte said he could never have “good rapport” with the US unless it returned the Balangiga Bells, taken as war booty from Samar in 1901. The president reiterated his belief that the church bells belonged to the Filipino nation, as they formed a “sentimental part of the journey towards nation-building”. “Do not say, ‘Oh,… Full Story »
US-Philippine relations
Largest US-Philippine Balikatan military exercises staged in Duterte era
The US and Philippine militaries have begun their largest Balikatan military exercises since President Duterte came to power. The joint exercises opened today (Monday, May 7) with a ceremony at a military camp in Manila and featured about 8,000 American and Filipino personnel, alongside small contingents from Japan and Australia. American and Philippine officials praised the… Full Story »
Duterte’s political foes among VIPs invited onto US aircraft carrier
Two of President Duterte’s most outspoken political enemies were among the VIPs invited aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt when it called at Manila Bay. Senator Antonio Trillanes and Congressman Gary Alejano — both former military men with convictions for mutiny — were among the guest list for the aircraft carrier’s port visit last weekend. Senator… Full Story »
Survey finds USA remains the most trusted country in the Philippines
A survey of Filipinos has found that Uncle Sam remains a popular figure, with the USA named as the most trusted foreign nation. Filipinos were asked to rate 14 countries in the fourth quarter of 2017 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey. The results showed that just three countries received “very good” net trust (percentage ‘much… Full Story »
Protest against US “interference” marks Filipino-American Friendship Day
Militant groups marked Filipino-American Friendship Day — July 4 — with a protest outside the US Embassy in Manila. Today’s protest, which also coincided with the USA’s Independence Day, was in opposition to American “interference” in Philippine affairs. Tension mounted at the corner of Mabini Street and UN Avenue when protesters came up against a… Full Story »
