THE PHILIPPINES

An American lawmaker’s push to block police and military aid to the Philippines over human rights concerns is unlikely to succeed, because of the friendship between the leaders of the two countries, says a spokesman for President Rodrigo Duterte. Harry Roque dismissed as a “wild suggestion” the bill filed by US Representative Susan Wild, which seeks suspension of American aid to the Philippine military and police, due to concerns over an anti-terrorism law that took effect in July.