Sammy Westfall
Duterte Responds to COVID-19 Outbreak With Another Lockdown. Here’s Why That Alone Won’t Work.
Experts say a strong reliance on tough lockdowns and a militaristic approach, without focus on other preventative measures, is a lethal combination – as seen in how poorly the Philippine government handled previous months of the pandemic.
A Photo of Burnt-Out Medical Workers in the Philippines Goes Viral. Duterte Says They Should Stop Complaining.
In response to criticism of his handling of the pandemic, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte told medical workers they needed to do some “soul searching,” and that rather than help, “all you do is complain.”
Japan Finally Recognizes “Black Rain” Victims as Atomic Bomb Survivors
The case's 84 plaintiffs were exposed to radioactive black rain as babies or children. Now in their late 70s to 90s, they're finally recognized as A-bomb victims in a landmark ruling.
Forced Abortions, Collective Punishment: Here’s What Happens to Women Who Try to Escape North Korea
A United Nations report reveals “heartbreaking” state-sponsored punishment for women who attempt to cross the border and are repatriated.
More Dead Bodies, Gov’t Takeovers: Duterte's Authoritarian Threats Continue
In his nearly two-hour State of the Nation Address riddled with contradictions and ironies, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte laid future plans to continue to exert his power against those he considers enemies.
Philippine Police Seize Thousands of Copies of 'Anti-Government' Publication
Just a day before President Rodrigo Duterte's State of the Nation Address, an office raid of a local magazine raises fears of diminishing liberties.
'The Threat is On the Rise': Taiwan Is Increasingly Worried About China. They're Not Wrong
With the soaring national aspirations, increasing pressure, and growing threats, Cross-Strait relations are reaching a new degree of intensity
We Asked Young Filipinos What They Want From Duterte’s 2020 State of the Nation Address. Here’s What They Said.
Amid concerns over the pandemic and threats to freedom of expression, all eyes are on Duterte’s upcoming speech.
Progress on COVID Vaccines Has Sparked Celebration. But There's A Long Way to Go Yet.
Experts say positive early results aren't the end of the story—but there is reason for optimism.
A Running Timeline of the US and China’s Deteriorating Relationship
This story is regularly updated to reflect the latest developments in US-China relations.
Eight Drug Lords and a Key Witness Allegedly Died of COVID in a Philippine Prison. Now Everyone Wants Proof.
The suspicious combination of rushed cremations, a lack of death certificates, and, perhaps most crucially, a lack of trust in public officials have caused some to suspect foul play.
Thailand Sees Largest Anti-Government Protests Since 2014 Military Coup
The youth-led protests appear to have taken a page from Hong Kong's highly decentralized pro-democracy movement last year, one expert said.