Dirty tricks allegations mar last days of Philippine election campaign

14 Sept 02:11 Key points summarised by AI

Philippine election rivals Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Leni Robredo exchange heated accusations of dirty tricks and vote-rigging in the final days before Monday's presidential poll.
Marcos Jr.'s campaign urges supporters to "protect their votes" against unspecified manipulation and accuses Robredo of being "toxic, divisive, and acrimonious."
Robredo's camp files legal action to counter "fabricated" rumors linking her to the Communist Party, while she directly labels Marcos Jr. as a "liar."
The contentious campaign is plagued by relentless misinformation and 'red-tagging,' with allegations against Robredo echoing historical tactics of the elder Ferdinand Marcos.
Concerns mount among rights groups and Catholic church leaders over a potential Marcos presidency, fearing weakened democratic checks and balances, and increased corruption.

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.