The bodies of female members of a political clan lie on the ground at the scene of a massacre on the outskirts of Ampatuan, Maguindanao in southern Philippines, Nov. 24, 2009. Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo placed two southern provinces and a city under emergency rule on Tuesday after more than 40 people were killed in the worst-ever election related violence in the country. (Erik de Castro/Reuters)

In the Philippines, political dynasties die hard

In light of the death toll from Monday's election violence, now over 40, political warlordism looms large.

MANILA, Philippines — Political violence on a scale never seen before has rocked the Philippines, with the brutal murders of 46 people, sparking new and grave concerns about the role of family dynasties in the country's political system.

The victims — relatives of politicians, lawyers and several journalists — were abducted by around 100 armed men in Maguindanao...

Recent on Philippines:

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The ethical dilemma in your holiday stocking

Thomas Mucha - Commerce - November 27, 2009 08:43 ET

Do you know who made your iPhone? And does it matter?

Why white skin is all the rage in Asia

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From pills to lasers to cream, what's fueling the boom in skin-whitening procedures across the continent?

Special report: Silicon Sweatshops

Jonathan Adams and Kathleen E. McLaughlin - China and its neighbors - November 23, 2009 10:51 ET

Despite strict "codes of conduct," labor rights violations are the norm at factories making the world's favorite high-tech gadgets.

Silicon Sweatshops: A promising model

Jonathan Adams and Kathleen E. McLaughlin - China and its neighbors - November 18, 2009 06:54 ET

There's no easy way to police supply chains in Asia. But one US high-tech firm and its Taiwan supplier are taking a creative approach that might just work.

What do you think about Silicon Sweatshops?

News Desk - China and its neighbors - November 17, 2009 15:04 ET

Are high-tech supply chains in Asia good business or exploitation? You decide.

Silicon Sweatshops: Shattered dreams

Jonathan Adams - China and its neighbors - November 17, 2009 07:24 ET

Migrant workers making gadgets at Taiwan's high-tech parks sign deals that make them modern-day indentured servants.

Silicon Sweatshops: The China connection

Kathleen E. McLaughlin and Jonathan Adams - China and its neighbors - November 17, 2009 07:22 ET

For migrant workers, an electronics factory job can be a ticket into China's booming middle class. But for many, it turns into a nightmare of poor working conditions and indifferent bosses.

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Jonathan Adams - China and its neighbors - November 17, 2009 07:22 ET

Laid-off Taiwanese workers accuse their firm of violating industry codes even when times were good.

Asia's pushback to big tobacco

Patrick Winn - Thailand - November 15, 2009 12:30 ET

The cigarette industry wants a bigger slice of Asia. Activists want them to butt out.

Storm may be over, but trouble still brews

Carlos H. Conde - Philippines - October 28, 2009 05:53 ET

An outbreak of a water-borne disease in the Philippines highlights the inability of communities to cope with the storm's aftermath.

Typhoon ripple effect deals poor double whammy

Carlos H. Conde - Philippines - October 7, 2009 12:45 ET

For thousands of Filipinos with nowhere to rebuild, the hardship of the storm has only just begun.

Vietnam in the aftermath of Ketsana

Geoffrey Cain - Vietnam - October 4, 2009 08:11 ET

Relief efforts are improving in central Vietnam, which has long been afflicted by catastrophic floods.

Philippines government falls short in storm relief

Carlos H. Conde - Philippines - September 29, 2009 23:39 ET

Devastating flood leaves survivors asking what Manila officials did with all their prevention funds.

Filipinos mourn "people power" icon

Carlos H. Conde - Philippines - August 1, 2009 12:42 ET

Corazon Aquino, ex-president of the Philippines, is dead at 76.

Fears of a nuclear Burma

Patrick Winn - Thailand - July 22, 2009 12:15 ET

The evidence, the conspirators and one "very concerned" Hillary Clinton

Saving the 'Coral Triangle'

Peter Gelling - Indonesia - May 18, 2009 19:17 ET

A new accord brings new hope for the world's largest coral habitat.

We love you, Manny

Carlos H. Conde - Philippines - May 14, 2009 05:53 ET

Filipinos fawn over boxing champion and national hero Manny Pacquiao.

Mall nation

Carlos H. Conde - Philippines - May 8, 2009 16:51 ET

Malls serve as cultural centers in a nation where many live on less than $2 a day.

Of pirates and profits

Carlos Conde - Philippines - April 25, 2009 10:58 ET

Welcome to busy Manila Bay, where sailors haggle and commercial ships find their crews.

Global Blogs:

• Latest

Rent in rehearsals: sneak peek

Gibbs Cadiz - Philippines - January 6, 2010 09:08 ET

9 Works Theatrical recently presented to media and bloggers a sneak peek of the on-going rehearsals of its upcoming production of Jonathan Larson's “Rent,” at the Rockwell Dance Studio 1, Rockwell Club, Makati City. “Rent” is the winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical...

There they go again

Philippine Commentary - Philippines - January 5, 2010 23:30 ET

The difference between a saint and a hypocrite is that one lies for his religion, the other by it.—Minna AntrimTHE New Year’s message of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines...