MANILA, Jan 26 (Reuters) - The Philippine foreign ministry said on Monday it had made "firm representations" to China's embassy and its ambassador in Manila over what it described as an "escalation of public exchanges" between them and Philippine officials over disputes in the South China Sea.

Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have ruled that former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is fit to attend pre-trial proceedings for alleged crimes against humanity. The ICC also will hold a hearing on 23 February to decide whether the prosecution's case against Duterte is strong enough to proceed to a trial.

Japan and the Philippines signed a defense pact on Thursday that would allow the tax-free provision of ammunition, fuel, food and other necessities when their forces stage joint training to boost deterrence against China’s growing aggression in the region and to bolster their preparation for natural disasters.

By Stephanie van den Berg THE HAGUE, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Judges at the International Criminal Court have ruled that former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, 80, is fit to attend pre-trial hearings and will hold a confirmation of charges hearing on February 23,

Rescuers in Cebu City have recovered 28 bodies from a garbage mound that collapsed last week. The search continues for eight missing people.

The Philippines said on Wednesday that it will restore access to the Grok artificial intelligence system after the company of tech billionaire Elon Musk promised to remove features that allow for creation of pornographic content.

By Karen Lema MANILA, Jan 22 (Reuters) - Current ASEAN chair the Philippines said it looked forward to further talks with opponents of Myanmar's ruling junta, and expected to engage more groups while staying open to the outcome of its general elections,