Philippines kicks off chaotic election campaign season

14 Sept 02:09 Key points summarised by AI

The Philippines launched its three-month election campaign, with Ferdinand Marcos Jr., son of the late dictator, emerging as the leading presidential candidate aiming to return his family to power.
Marcos Jr. campaigns on a platform of "unity," bolstered by a strong alliance with vice-presidential candidate Sara Duterte and a massive social media presence.
Incumbent Vice President Leni Robredo, a distant second in polls, is campaigning on truthfulness and ending "rotten politics," despite her campaign's progressive appeal.
Marcos Jr. faces disqualification petitions over a past tax conviction, but remains the overwhelming favorite, seen by many as a continuity 'strongman' candidate.

Detained Suu Kyi receives UK royal package: Myanmar govt

Today 03:08 Key points summarised by AI

Myanmar's detained Nobel laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, received a package from Britain's King Charles III, which included two gardening books, a sealed envelope, and diplomatic communication.
The event marked the first release of images of Suu Kyi in two months and saw Myanmar authorities describe her as a "special female prisoner" for the first time.
Suu Kyi, who was deposed in a 2021 military coup that triggered an ongoing civil war, remains under house arrest on charges that rights groups contend are politically motivated.