MANILA, Philippines — The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte is among the surprise developments in the country that gained world attention in 2025. East Timor’s extradition of expelled Negros Oriental Rep. Arnie Teves, the collision of Chinese ships in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, the extradition appeal made by the United States government against Apollo Quiboloy, Harry Roque’s disappearance, resigned legislator Zaldy Co’s involvement in the flood control scandal and news reports, protested by the government, branding the Philippines as an ISIS hot spot also hogged 2025’s international headlines. The fall of ‘the Punisher’: Duterte’s arrest […]... Keep on reading: Yearend 2025: The foreign affairs front on sovereignty, scandals and the long arm of the law