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Sam Beltran
SCMP Contributor
Sam Beltran is a journalist based in Manila who has written for publications in the Philippines and around Asia. Her stories explore food, lifestyle scenes, popular trends, and sub-cultures as windows into society and the human condition.
Sam Beltran is a journalist based in Manila who has written for publications in the Philippines and around Asia. Her stories explore food, lifestyle scenes, popular trends, and sub-cultures as windows into society and the human condition.
Languages Spoken:
English
Observers say closed channel over terrorist threat ‘illogical’ and a setback to long-standing relations with affected countries.
OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, said the banned accounts were used to influence views favourable towards the Philippine president.
Analysts say quiet incursions are part of a deliberate effort by China to normalise its presence in previously unpatrolled areas.
Their newly ratified reciprocal access agreement paves the way for Japanese forces to train on Philippine soil for the first time since WWII.
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France is seeking ratification of the High Seas Treaty by at least 60 countries ahead of the UN Ocean Conference in Nice next week.
Former US defence official Ely Ratner says it’s time for the ‘viable and essential’ four-way defence pact. Security experts aren’t so sure.
An advocacy group said green card holder Lewelyn Dixon’s case exposed ‘neglect’ by Manila, urging it to help others held in detention centres.
China’s Mekong River projects pose strategic and environmental challenges for Vietnam, threatening regional influence and vital agricultural resources.
The bases are expected to help grow the Philippines’ infrastructure as it acquires more warships for its arsenal.
Arnolfo Teves Jnr, who was arrested at his home in Dili, is wanted in the Philippines on charges of murder and attempted murder.
Despite a senior Asean official’s confidence, observers warn ongoing disputes could impede sustainable growth and vital marine conservation.
Online users berate officials who extracted the animal from popular hiking trail over predatory concerns.
The raid, which witnesses described as ‘traumatic’, lasted more than 45 minutes and ended without arrests.
The EU mission, invited by Manila, found ‘unacceptable levels of election-related violence’ and a legal framework in need of urgent reform.
Huawei and other Chinese firms offer growth, but analysts warn of rising digital threat exposure and geopolitical challenges.
Complaint alleges coordinated foreign-backed efforts to amplify pro-Duterte content, with 15 candidates among supposed beneficiaries.
Move indicates Washington’s intent to deepen economic cooperation and is ‘good signalling’ for bilateral ties, analysts say.
After swinging between Beijing and Washington, Manila seeks a steadier maritime policy that will endure beyond the current administration.
From unlicensed drivers to substandard infrastructure, the deadly aftermath of recent crashes is forcing a reckoning on Philippine roads.
The former president’s ICC arrest has led his indignant supporters to drum up support for Duterte-aligned candidates, analysts say.
One in five high-school graduates cannot comprehend or understand a simple story, survey shows.
Economic survival outweighs foreign policy concerns for those living below the poverty line, analysts say.
Strict laws should be put in place to prevent these visas from being exploited by banned offshore gaming operators, critics warn.
Shigeru Ishiba is expected to push for full ratification of a reciprocal access agreement, paving the way for expanded military cooperation.
It follows a call from a Chinese envoy for the Philippines and fellow Asean members to be united in safeguarding free trade.
A total of 19 countries are observers at the exercise, including Japan and France, which have signed defence pacts with the Philippines.
Observers say mistrust of a newly introduced online voting system needs to be addressed to increase voter turnout among OFWs.
US military hosts Cagayan and Palawan hold opposing views of Beijing because of their economic engagements with China, according to a study.
The proposed tariffs’ impact on global supply chains is likely to raise the already hefty price tag on the jets, analysts say.
