Stefano Vecchia

Percival Mabasa had just finished hosting his in-depth radio programme 'Lapid Fire'. His family: 'His bold and insightful comments emerged from the barrage of false information, both on the airwaves and in social media. In his programmes he was not afraid to criticise the historical distortions of the Martial Law period propagated by Duterte and Marcos Jr.

Postponed by Covid-19, the process envisaged by the agreements to set up the autonomous region of Bangsamoro to put an end to a conflict that has cost 120,000 lives has restarted. For every weapon handedover, USD 2400 will be paid. The unknown factor of the jihadist formations still active in the Philippines.

The new rule comes into effect on 26 October. It expands on last year’s Criminal Code amendment authorising abortion up to 12 weeks after a Supreme Court ruling. Liberalisation is clearly the goal. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference and many Buddhist groups are opposed.

Originally set up for 70-80,000 students, a loan fund has benefitted up to 6.2 million beneficiaries but many cannot pay back. A bill to provide interest-free loans to students has put the spotlight on household debt, which is currently at its highest in the last 16 years. Critics argue that the situation risks becoming unsustainable for the state coffers.

The image went viral in the South-East Asian country. Doctors have expressed concern that people might actually do it. The extent of organ trafficking in South-East Asia is unknown.

Businesses are regularly using defamation laws against those who report abuse. In the latest case, three women face up to two years in prison. They are expected to appear in court next week to be indicted.

Fishermen rescued 10 refugees, while Thailand’s Coast Guard found another 41. The refugees, who were probably abandoned on their way to Malaysia, risk abduction and exploitation. The exodus from Myanmar and refugee camps in Bangladesh seems to have regained momentum in recent months.

Najib was sent to jail last week after receiving a 12-year sentence for embezzling huge sums from Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund. His wife could get 10 years if her conviction is upheld on appeal. In Malaysia, public opinion is wondering whether this is a real crackdown on long-tolerated malfeasance or a case of political revenge against a very popular but controversial couple.

A study ranks the Philippines as the fourth nation most affected by water-related disasters. It estimates an average annual GDP loss of 0.7% linked to climate change. Right now there is alarm over the combined effects of the tropical depression Gardo and the super-typhoon Hinnamnor.

The country ranks second in the world in terms of production, but next year's harvests are also expected to decline. Raw material is scarce and stocks of the Robusta quality are on the verge of halving. On the other hand, the export value is on the rise: from EUR 2.24 billion in 2020 to over three billion last year.

The judges will review the opposition's petition seeking disqualification, as eight years have passed since he took office after the coup. Supporters are pressing to postpone the start of the count to the approval of the latest constitution, thus moving the term end to 2025. Provisional transfer of power to Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, another former military man. Public opinion divided between the desire to turn over a new leaf and fear of a new season of instability.

The decision comes after the ICC resumed its investigation into former President Duterte who had pulled out in 2019 in order for the Philippines to carry out its own investigation.