Here we go again for the nth time. Boring? 😡

Good morning (from Manila) — by 1am on January 21, Donald Trump will be POTUS again.

We'll be covering the inauguration (remotely, of course) — but beyond the pomp and pageantry of the transfer of power in Washington, what will this mean for Manila (and the rest of Southeast Asia, and the Indo-Pacific)? Frankly, we're not yet entirely sure but we'll find out this week.
https://www.rappler.com/world/us-canada/donald-trump-pre-inauguration-rally-statements-january-19-2025/

How do you think Trump will interact with the region? @here

"Brand new day" for Trump and MAGA supporters, especially Elon Musk, the US oligarchy, and the big tech companies. Like our PBBM, he has the habit of easily breaking his promises. 😠

POPE’S MESSAGE TO TRUMP

Pope Francis offers well-wishes to United States President-elect Donald Trump in a traditional message sent ahead of the presidential inauguration ceremony in Washington on Monday, January 20. @here

'HONOR OF OUR LIFETIMES'

Outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris and outgoing President Joe Biden, along with their spouses, pose for a photo as they make their exit from the White House.

Donald Trump and JD Vance are set to be sworn into office on January 20. @here

PRESIDENT TRUMP IS BACK

BREAKING: Donald Trump is sworn is as president of the United States, ushering in his second term in office and capping one of the most astounding political comebacks in American history. @here

Trump, in inauguration speech, says "the golden age of America begins now." Later on, he adds: "From this moment on, America's decline is over."

No mention of the Indo-Pacific or of Asia for that matter, more than 30 minutes into Trump's first speech as 47th POTUS. He did mention China — but in the context of a false claim that the Chinese were controlling the Panama Canal. Context from the New York Times here: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/02/us/politics/trump-panama-canal-china.html

'SAVED BY GOD'

During his inauguration speech, US President Donald Trump says he was ‘saved’ by God from the assassination attempt back in 2024 to make America great again.

The White House website has been revamped - https://www.whitehouse.gov/

Official site proclaims – "AMERICA IS BACK"

He is Using God to prop up his image—it sounds familiar. He is lucky that God does not care to affirm or rebut his statement. 😇

I was inspired by this article from the Editorial Board of NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/17/opinion/donald-trump-fear.html. How about you?

This is crazy https://trib.al/8as8bPp?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0XB8ZrlQTCSC9sKbeirK_hhqgVRwHaSYfT2XuMTr2Kf29LEVmP3zFrk9M_aem_YoJMlzGcBDl2wjrvZ61mzw

Trump does not care. He has never been a beneficiary of WHO programs and will never be. 😠

In a tweet, Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo says he spoke to State Sec Marco Rubio on the phone. Manalo says they spoke about "importance of the PH-US alliance for the prosperity and security of the Indo Pacific, and the strength of our bilateral political, economic, and people-to-people ties." @here

DFA says is "notes" Philippine probe into alleged espionage operations. (https://www.rappler.com/philippines/what-we-know-so-far-arrest-suspected-chinese-spy-january-2025/) @here

FULL STATEMENT — 

Statement on Alleged Espionage Operations by Foreign Nationals

The Department notes the ongoing investigation being conducted by relevant law enforcement agencies regarding alleged espionage operations allegedly being conducted in the Philippines by a foreign national in collaboration with Filipinos.

In accordance with its mandate to help protect national security, the Department takes any indication of espionage operations by foreign nationals seriously, and stands ready to support the Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other relevant government agencies as they undertake their respective mandates in accordance with the law.

Espionage has been conducted ever since ancient times. What matters most is the result. Does it help the country that sent the spy to win its battles? How about our country? Does it spy on China, too? 🤔

Worth reading on how China does espionage. It's endorsed by my former colleagues in the military.

https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-xi-files-how-china-spies/

I’m displeased the silence is defeaning. Situation in Kivu region, DR Congo is worsening.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/rwandas-kagame-says-he-agrees-with-us-need-ceasefire-congo-2025-01-29/

Top officials of the National Bureau of Investigation, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Justice Dept, and Bureau of Immigration present to media Chinese nationals recently arrested for allegedly espionage. The five were caught in NAIA, Intramuros, Binondo, and Dumaguete on January 24 and 25. | via @Bea Cupin @here