CNA938 Rewind - Philippines' midterm election: What's at stake for Marcos and Duterte camps?
Play
The Philippines is eagerly awaiting the results of the midterm election, with over 18,000 positions up for grabs, including local and congressional seats. But the spotlight is on the Senate race. The contest in the Senate is not only seen as a referendum on President Ferdinand Marcos Junior's leadership, but it could also determine the political future of Vice President Sara Duterte. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman look at what's at stake for the Marcos and Duterte camps with Alicor Panao, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines Diliman
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNA
8 hours ago
- CNA
Global-City Singapore: SG 60 And Beyond
41:29 Min Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong called for a deliberate approach to AI adoption, deeper ASEAN integration, and expanded global trade. Global-City Singapore: SG 60 And Beyond About the show: Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong addressed thought leaders and representatives from government, industry and business sectors at the IPS-SBF conference Global-City Singapore: SG60 and Beyond on 29 July 2025. Topics discussed include the challenges behind US tariff negotiations, investing in talent and AI technology, deeper ASEAN integration, and expanded global trade.
Independent Singapore
9 hours ago
- Independent Singapore
Johor royalty and ASEAN leaders join Singapore's 60th National Day Parade
SINGAPORE: In a symbolic show of friendship and regional unity, Singapore's 60th National Day Parade (NDP) at the Padang welcomed high-profile guests from across Southeast Asia, including Johor's Crown Prince Tunku Mahkota Ismail and his consort Che' Puan Khaleeda Johor. According to Bernama , this was the first time since 2019 that foreign dignitaries had been invited to the NDP. Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi attended on behalf of the Malaysian government, alongside Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. A celebration of pride — and partnerships Bernama reported that the parade's theme, 'Majulah Singapura,' set the stage for a day of national pride. The pre-show featured the Singapore Armed Forces' Red Lions parachute team and the Republic of Singapore Navy's 'Jump of Unity' at Marina Bay. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong arrived at 6:30 p.m. to officially start the main event, which saw a record 40 marching contingents — the largest since 1990 — and 170 assets on display. This spectacle included a combined aerial flypast, maritime showcase, and drive-past of new military equipment making their debut. Over 3,000 performers, including Malaysian rock legend Datuk Ramli Sarip, took part in the show segment. The event also featured the largest centre stage in NDP history — a 360-degree platform surrounded by a crowd of 27,000 — and ended with a fireworks finale and a nationwide 'Majulah Moment' reciting the National Pledge. Why Johor's presence matters now For many in Singapore, the Johor Crown Prince's appearance at the parade felt like more than just a diplomatic courtesy. Coming on the heels of recent progress in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), it was a moment that underscored how relations between the two sides are moving in a positive direction. The Crown Prince has long championed Johor's development, and his appearance at Singapore's milestone celebration signalled that the partnership is growing not only in trade and investment but also in cultural and symbolic importance. Read related: Johor's Royal Botanical Garden reopens with new attractions ahead of Visit Johor 2026 A regional stage for a shared future As Bernama highlighted, having leaders from Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia at this year's NDP sent a clear message about the importance of working together in the region. Shoulder to shoulder with Singapore's own leaders, these guests added a renewed sense of connection. This serves as a reminder that national milestones can also serve as moments to reaffirm a common vision for Southeast Asia's future. The night ended with Singaporeans across the island reciting the National Pledge in unison. This was a powerful close to a celebration that not only honoured six decades of independence, but also looked ahead to a future shaped in partnership with its closest Read also: Johor's RM1.34 billion Singapore investment push signals deeper regional ties and transformation
CNA
16 hours ago
- CNA
Philippines' Marcos says China 'misinterpreted' his comments on Taiwan
MANILA: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Monday (Aug 11) that Beijing has "misinterpreted" his comments saying Manila will be inevitably drawn in to a conflict between China and Taiwan should one erupt. China accused Marcos of "playing with fire" after the Philippine leader said during a visit to India that "there is no way that the Philippines can stay out of it" due to its proximity to the democratically governed island. "We are, I think for propaganda purposes, misinterpreted," Marcos told a press briefing. "I'm a little bit perplexed why it would be characterized as such, as playing with fire," he added. China's embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Marcos said Filipinos working and living in Taiwan will have to be evacuated if a conflict does arise but maintained that he wishes to avoid confrontation and war. Over a hundred thousand Filipinos live and work in Taiwan, according to Philippine government data. "War over Taiwan will drag the Philippines kicking and screaming into the conflict. That is what I was trying to say," Marcos said. Marcos' comments come at a time of heightened tensions between Manila and Beijing over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. A 2016 ruling of an international arbitral tribunal voided Beijing's sweeping claims in the region, saying they had no basis under international law, a decision China rejects.
