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The Philippines and the US kicked off their largest-ever joint military drills on the former’s Luzon Island on March 28.

The Philippines will resume pre-pandemic entry regulations for fully vaccinated foreign nationals from visa-required countries from on April 1, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Kristian Ablan said on March 25.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has signed an order on easing entry regulations for foreign tourists to boost international tourism, increase foreign investments, and restore jobs in the tourism sector.

The Philippines on March 3 announced President Rodrigo Duterte's order signed on February 28 on the inclusion of nuclear power in the country’s energy plan amid the country’s preparations to generally get rid of coal-fired power plants.

Child marriage became illegal in the Philippines starting January 6 as a law banning the practice took effect.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on October 2 that he would retire from politics, a surprise move that fuelled speculation he was clearing the way for a presidential run by his daughter.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the resumption of face-to-face classes in areas with low risk of COVID-19 infections, with up to 120 schools joining a two-month pilot reopening run, according to the Ministry of Education.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has restored the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States, Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced on July 30.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on July 26 underlined that the fight against drug trafficking is far from over, more than five years since the launch of his “war on drugs”.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh talked over the phone with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on July 19, affirming that the archipelago nation is always an important and trustworthy partner that shares many concerns and strategic interests with Vietnam.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a proclamation declaring a 10-day period of national mourning in commemoration of his predecessor, Benigno Aquino III.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on June 21 threatened to jail those who refuse COVID-19 vaccines as the country is struggling with one of the most serious COVID-19 waves in Asia with more than 1.3 million infections and over 23,000 deaths.

The Philippines has for the third time suspended a decision to scrap a two-decade-old Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the US.

The Indonesian Health Ministry said on May 31 that foreigners from India, Pakistan and the Philippines must undergo compulsory 14-day quarantine in designated hotels.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte called for global cooperation in the COVID-19 fight at the the Future of Asia Conference held virtually on May 21, underlining the need for equal access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Senior officials of Japan had separate phone talks with the Philippine and Australian sides on May 19 to discuss issues in bilateral ties and regional security.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has extended partial lockdown in the capital until the end of March, as the country awaits the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines.

The Philippines starting next month will relax its ban on travellers from over 30 countries and regions that have confirmed cases of more transmissible COVID-19 variants, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said on January 29.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide have agreed to cooperate closely in issues related to the East Sea in the context of China continuing its military buildup in the waters despite the concerns of neighbouring countries.

Indonesia on November 13 announced an additional 5,444 new cases of COVID-19, the highest daily increase ever in this Southeast Asian country, and 104 more deaths.