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POLITICS2d agoKurt Campbell on US deterrence, the Quad, Aukus and Taiwan after Xi-Trump summitKurt Campbell is a veteran US diplomat and strategist who has played a leading role in shaping Washington’s approach to China and the Indo-Pacific for more than a decade. He served as the White House coordinator for Indo-Pacific affairs from 2021 to 2024 and as US deputy secretary of state from 2024 to 2025. Previously, he served as assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs from 2009 to 2013 and was a key architect of the Obama administration’s “pivot to Asia”. Often...South China Morning Post
POLITICS2d agoAnti-Narita expansion rallyParticipants march during a demonstration by the Sanrizuka National Mobilization Rally in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, on Sunday. The march was organized to oppose war and the expansion of…Japan Today
POLITICS2d agoAre Marcos’ minions in Congress plotting to amend the Constitution?THE controversy over whether the Senate can reduce the votes required to convict an impeached official from 16 to 14 raises a question far more consequential than the fate of Vice President Sara Duterte. If senators can change an explicit numerical requirement of the Constitution through their own procedural rules, what prevents Congress from similarly altering other safeguards — including, and especially, the rules for amending the Constitution itself? Article XI, Section 3(6) of the 1987 Constitution states: “No person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate.” With 24 sitting senators, that requires 16 affirmative votes. It does not say two-thirds of those present, those voting, or those who have not abstained. The phrase is “all the Members.” The proposed reduction to 14 would require excluding some senators from the denominator. Disguised as a technical adjustment, it raises a fundamental issue: Can a chamber’s procedural rules change the voting requirements categorically stipulated by the Constitution? If so, the implications extend well beyond impeachment. Numerous constitutional provisions demand specified fractions of all members precisely because certain powers should not be exercised by an ordinary political majority. [ATTACHED PHOTO NUMBER 1 HERE] CAPTION/ AI-GENERATED CARTOON UPON INSTRUCTIONS AND SUPERVISION OF MR. TIGLAO. Reducing the threshold by a mere majority vote of its members is a very dangerous precedent for tampering with the Constitution itself. The Constitution’s Article XVII, Section 1 permits Congress to propose constitutional amendments or revisions upon a vote of three-fourths of all its members. Article XVII, Section 3 separately provides for calling a constitutional convention by a two-thirds vote of all members of Congress. These provisions determine how the fundamental law may be changed. [ATTACHED TABLE HERE] If the Supreme Court does not rule unconstitutional the Senate’s majority ruling to lower the threshold for impeachment, Marcos’ minions there would claim that Congress has also the right to reduce the denominator in computing how the three-fourths, or two-thirds, are determined in calling for an amendment of the Constitution. The easy path here is for them to accept the interpretation that three-fourths of each chamber would have to vote to amend the Constitution. That would be easy in the case of the House of Representatives, since it consists of political pygmies, or easy-to-bribe politicians. Marcos may find it more difficult to get a three-fourths vote in the Senate, all of whom are elected nationally and most members think they could be president someday. So, what does he do? Do what he has managed to do in Sara’s impeachment: Jail or force to be a fugitive uncooperative senators, and get the Senate to rule that only present members of the chamber can vote whether to amend the Constitution or not. Marcos, therefore, can call for a constitutional convention with just 14 senators out of the sitting 24 senators. And as happened in the 1970 constitutional convention and 1986 Constitutional Commission, it would be easy for a president to control such bodies. Am I too suspicious to believe that Marcos would get a constitutional assembly or convention to amend the Constitution so that our system changes into a parliamentary one, which would allow him to be Prime Minister to perpetuate his rule? He is really the son of his father. The move to lower the threshold in Sara’s impeachment therefore would seem to be preparing the ground for this regime to amend the Constitution to perpetuate itself in power in 2028. I am amazed that Marcos’ minions in the Senate had the gall to lower the number of votes needed to convict Sara. Our Constitution has an internal consistency in providing for the thresholds for major Senate decisions: Treaties — Article VII, Section 21 provides that no treaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective without concurrence by at least two-thirds of all Senate members. Its wording closely parallels the impeachment clause. Treaties can impose obligations involving national security, military cooperation, territorial interests, foreign relations and economic policy. The Constitution requires more than a simple majority because treaty commitments may bind the country long after the administration that negotiated them has left office. A Senate able to adjust the denominator could declare an agreement approved that did not obtain the normally required 16 votes. Veto — Article VI, Section 27(1) requires two-thirds of all members of each chamber to override a presidential veto. The requirement embodies the separation of powers: Congress may enact a measure despite presidential objections, but only if it assembles a supermajority in both chambers. As in voting in the impeachment, this article stipulates two-thirds of all members, not of participating members. Expulsion — Article VI, Section 16(3) permits each house, with concurrence of two-thirds of all its members, to suspend or expel a member. All of its members, not members present. The supermajority is an important protection against a ruling coalition’s use of disciplinary proceedings to eliminate opponents. It is important to emphasize that Article XI, Section 3(3-4), the impeachment process, uses a different threshold for the House of Representatives: at least one-third of all its members may approve articles of impeachment or file a verified complaint or resolution under the specified procedure. In the Senate, two-thirds of members are required to convict. The Constitution deliberately makes impeachment easier to initiate than to conclude in conviction. That difference recognizes the gravity of removing an official, particularly one elected by millions of citizens — in Sara’s case, 32 million voted to make her vice president, or 62 percent of those who cast their ballots. A minority large enough to represent one-third of the House may initiate the process, but a much broader Senate consensus must be assembled to convict. Impeachment is not a parliamentary vote of no confidence, in which an incumbent falls simply because a temporary majority has turned against him or her. If the House likewise claimed the power to subtract abstaining or absent representatives from “all its Members,” it could attempt to transmit articles of impeachment with fewer affirmative votes. The protection against politically motivated proceedings would then be weakened at both ends: initiation in the House and conviction in the Senate. The Constitution’s framers were very well aware of the distinction between total membership from attendance. Article VI, Section 16(4), for example, permits one-fifth of the members present to require the “yeas” and “nays” on a question to be entered in the journal. That wording is different from “all the Members.” Such distinctions are not ornamental. They identify different constitutional denominators for different governmental actions. More importantly, the framers couldn’t have missed the fact that the US Constitution categorically says that to convict, “two-thirds of members present.” The framers of our Constitution didn’t just follow the US precedent, and stipulated only “two-thirds of all members.” The issue is ultimately whether the Constitution’s supermajorities are genuine limits on political power or numbers that legislators may adjust when inconvenient. If those entrusted to obey constitutional restraints can alter them through their own procedures, the restraints lose much of their meaning. The question is no longer merely whether 14 or 16 senators can convict Sara Duterte. It is whether the numerical safeguards of the Constitution remain safeguards at all. Facebook: Rigoberto Tiglao X: @bobitiglao Website: www.rigobertotiglao.commanilatimes · philippines
POLITICS2d agoPutin aide looks to boost Russian shipbuilding ties with China during visitRussia is looking to expand shipbuilding cooperation with China through technology partnerships and joint investment, visiting presidential aide and Maritime Board chairman Nikolai Patrushev said. Patrushev held talks in Beijing with Ke Jixin, Chinese vice-minister of industry and information technology, the Russian Maritime Board said in a statement on Saturday. It said the two sides discussed the possibility of Chinese shipbuilders becoming technology partners and equipment suppliers for new...South China Morning Post
POLITICS2d agoWuhan’s Covid mayor Zhou Xianwang jailed for 14 years for corruptionZhou Xianwang, the former mayor of Wuhan widely criticised for the initial handling of the Covid-19 outbreak, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for corruption. Zhou used various positions he held between 2003 and 2025 – including party secretary of Huangshi, mayor of Wuhan and vice-governor of Hubei province – to “provide assistance to companies and individuals in contracting projects, business operations and administrative approvals”, Shangqiu Intermediate People’s Court in Henan...South China Morning Post
POLITICS2d agoThe EU’s China dilemma: how to counter Beijing without alienating friendsIn September, the Jaecoo 7 – a budget SUV from China’s Chery Automobile – made headlines when it shifted more than 10,000 units to become Britain’s bestselling car. Christened the “Temu Range Rover” online, a nod to the cheap goods available on the Chinese online marketplace and the luxury 4X4 made by Jaguar Land Rover that it resembles, its success showed British drivers’ new-found taste for cut-price Chinese cars. Overall, 23 per cent of new cars bought in Britain last month were Chinese...South China Morning Post
POLITICS2d agoEmperor and Empress visit Aomori, smilingly respond to children's "Bye-bye"The Emperor and Empress visited Aomori and interacted positively with children, responding to their farewells. This reports on a public appearance by the imperial family.Asahi Shimbun
POLITICS2d agoA Reporter Returns to China to Find it Richer, but Also Highly Paranoid.Returning to China after decades away, a correspondent finds bullet trains, dazzling skylines — and a surveillance state more paranoid and pervasive than ever.NYT World
POLITICS2d agoPrincess Kako attends Girls' Messe: 'Actions to improve something become a great force'Princess Kako attended "Girls' Messe" and shared a message about the power of actions to bring improvement. This reports on a public engagement by a member of the imperial family.Asahi Shimbun
POLITICS2d agoIf Hongkongers’ support for Legco is waning, it isn’t just lawmakers’ faultRita Fan Hsu Lai-tai, Hong Kong’s first post-handover Legislative Council president, recently dropped a political bomb. She revealed that one of her friends had been telling her that a legislature with 90 seats costs a lot more than one with 60 and that “I kind of agree with that”. The basic maths behind the statement cannot be refuted: 60 is two-thirds of 90. Even though Fan didn’t bring up the topic herself – she was asked the question by the host during a radio show – it was shocking that a...South China Morning Post
POLITICS2d agoTaiwan fears for US support as Trump and Xi prepare for fresh talksTaipei awaits approval of a $14bn arms package as uncertainty over Washington’s commitment to the island growsIrish Times World
POLITICS2d agoJapan stands by rule of law as U.S. slaps sanctions against ICCJapan will continue to stand behind the International Criminal Court based on its unwavering belief that the rule of law is important, its top government spokesman said Sunday,…Japan Today
POLITICS2d agoTrump’s new spokeswoman is a ‘devoted fan’ who lived in Beijing and speaks ChineseBefore she addresses the world from behind the White House briefing room podium this week, 42-year-old Katie Zacharia has a story that stretches far beyond Washington’s power corridors. Years before US President Donald Trump appointed her as his new press secretary, she lived in Beijing, worked at one of China’s leading law firms, and learned enough Chinese to occasionally surprise people. Her reported experience in China spans international law and a communications role with a non-profit...South China Morning Post
POLITICS2d agoFormer Japanese PM’s wife Akie Abe meets RSS general secretary Dattatreya HosabaleA communique issued by the RSS said the meeting focused on ways to strengthen India–Japan relations, with particular emphasis on civilisational ties, cultural cooperation and people-centric initiatives.The Hindu
POLITICS2d agoDenuclearising North Korea would ‘defy history’ as US, allies missed the boatThe denuclearisation of North Korea has become an “increasingly improbable” goal and the United States and its allies should move beyond it to devote their diplomatic efforts to talks on arms limitations and crisis communication, the director of the US-based North Korean analysis website 38 North said. Recalling the 20 years since North Korea carried out its first nuclear test on October 9, 2006, Jenny Town said in a written interview that “a pivotal moment” in Pyongyang’s weapons development...South China Morning Post
POLITICS3d agoNew HK$122 million lifeguard outsourcing contract sparks public spending concernsA controversial decision by Hong Kong authorities to award a lifeguard and first aid services contract worth more than HK$122 million (US$15.6 million) to a company previously found to have failed to provide the required staffing at swimming pools has sparked concerns over whether public funds are being used prudently. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department on Saturday defended the decision, saying it was satisfied with Spotlight Enterprises’ performance over the past two years and that it...South China Morning Post
POLITICS3d agoTaiwan defends peace and freedom as Beijing condemns Lai's speechPresident Lai Ching-te says Taiwan wants peace but will not give up its freedom and calls for respect for its people's right to exist, as Beijing condemns his National Day speech.nationthailand · thailand
POLITICS3d agoJapanese Foreign Minister speaks with Rubio after assassination in Okinawa and ICC sanctionsEl diálogo entre los responsables de relaciones exteriores de Japón y EE.UU. se centró en el asesinato en Okinawa y sanciones a la CPI. Rubio ofreció cooperación.Pese a las tensiones por las sanciones, ambos líderes acordaron reforzar la alianza bilateral, enfrentando un entorno de seguridad desafiante.Clarín
POLITICS3d agoBar Association urges proxy cap, electronic voting to curb building bid-riggingThe Hong Kong Bar Association has suggested capping the number of proxies a person can hold at homeowners’ meetings, without restricting who may act as a proxy, stressing that improving transparency and introducing an electronic voting system could help to deter abuse in large-scale maintenance procurement. Speaking to the South China Morning Post, association chairman Jose-Antonio Maurellet expressed reservations about a government proposal to restrict an owner’s representative to a relative or...South China Morning Post
POLITICS3d agoRubio pledges U.S. cooperation in Okinawa murder caseU.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday vowed to cooperate ‌with Japanese authorities investigating allegations that a U.S. Marine murdered a woman in Okinawa, a case that…Japan Today
POLITICS3d agoChina’s Bid to Define the ‘Global South’Beijing has adopted its own, quite different, definition of the term.The Diplomat
POLITICS3d agoWhither Japan’s Three Non-Nuclear Principles?A highly contentious debate is in the offing.The Diplomat
POLITICS3d agoPNP verifying claim 521 kg of shabu headed for PHmanilatimes · philippines
POLITICS3d agoChina’s Zhejiang province calls to limit tech giants’ power over online trafficCommunist Party officials in eastern China’s Zhejiang province have called for greater oversight of major internet platforms and their “traffic power”, warning that online traffic and algorithms had evolved into a force capable of shaping public discussion and sentiment. The publicity department of the Zhejiang provincial party committee published the commentary on social media on Thursday, saying traffic could no longer be viewed simply as a data resource. Zhejiang’s capital city, Hangzhou, is...South China Morning Post
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