Marcos Jr eyes landslide as Philippines votes for new president

21 Sept 12:19 Key points summarised by AI

Ferdinand Marcos Jr., son of the former dictator, is the overwhelming favourite to win the Philippine presidential election, signaling a remarkable political comeback for his family nearly 40 years after their exile.
The high-stakes election is primarily a two-way race between Marcos Jr. and incumbent Vice President Leni Robredo, with recent polls indicating Marcos Jr. is heading for a landslide victory.
Rights activists and political analysts express significant concerns that a large Marcos Jr. win could embolden authoritarian rule and potentially weaken the country's democratic institutions.
High voter turnout is expected, with supporters of Marcos Jr. hoping for a return to perceived stability, while Robredo's voters emphasize her integrity and anti-corruption stance amidst a bitter campaign.

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.