March 28, 2026: Earlier this month three military personnel were arrested and accused of spying for China. Last year, some Filipinos and Chinese were arrested in China and accused of spying for Philippines Intelligence. Prosecutions of corrupt Philippine government officials are increasing. China became more violent in its confrontations with Filipino Navy ships in disputed areas of the South China Sea.

Major events last year include improvements in infrastructure with many new roads and upgrades to airports and shipping facilities. This comes after years of little improvement. The difference has been noticeable to most Filipinos. Problems remain including high unemployment, escalating inflation, the local currency, the peso losing more value versus the dollar and general economic stagnation. Chinese claims on Filipino territory in the South China Sea remained unresolved. In 2024 that led to dozens of Filipino and Chinese warships confronting each other in the South China Sea with some violence and a few injuries.