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Philippines
Philippines’ Investment Fund Bill Draws Criticism
By Mong Palatino
A group of prominent economists claims that the Maharlika Investment Fund will draw much-needed cash away from other parts of government.
Developing Guardrails for Regional Stability: A View from the Philippines
By Jay Batongbacal
Manila sees a variety of different threats to its maritime security. Each requires a different tool or approach.
Philippine Court Denies Bail to Prominent Duterte Critic
By Sebastian Strangio
The decision came after Leila De Lima was acquitted on the second of three politically motivated drug cases last month.
US, Japanese, Philippine Coast Guard Ships Stage Law Enforcement Drills Near South China Sea
By Aaron Favila and Joeal Calupitan
Philippine officials say such joint exercises with U.S. forces do not target any country. But Beijing says increased U.S. security deployments in Asia target China and undermine regional stability.
The Philippines’ ‘Middle Power’ Momentum Takes Shape in AMNEX-2
By Joshua Bernard Espeña
The aims of last month's ASEAN naval exercise dovetail well with Manila's determination to play a more proactive regional security role.
Anticipating Dual-Use Risks in an Atomic Southeast Asia
By Brandt K. Mabuni
Once again, nuclear energy is knocking. Is ASEAN ready to prevent the misuse of nuclear material?
Cracks Appear in the Philippines’ Unity Government
By Mong Palatino
Recent events suggest that the Marcos-Duterte "UniTeam" that stormed last year's presidential election may not make it to the next election in 2028.
Why the Philippines’ Two Largest State-Owned Banks Are Contemplating a Mega-Merger
By James Guild
The government is hoping that the merger of DBP and the Land Bank of the Philippines will increase profitability, with a possible eye to supporting its embryonic sovereign wealth fund.
Philippine Vice President Resigns From Ruling Party Over ‘Political Toxicity’
By Sebastian Strangio
Sara Duterte's resignation from Lakas-CMD followed the demotion of her ally, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in the House of Representatives.
Vietnam Criticizes China, Philippines For South China Sea Activities
By Sebastian Strangio
A Foreign Ministry spokesperson accused the two nations of "violating the sovereign rights and jurisdictions of Vietnam" in separate recent incidents.
Australia to Provide Surveillance Drones to Philippines Amid South China Sea Tensions
By Jim Gomez
Canberra is also considering whether to take part in joint patrols in the disputed South China Sea.
Philippines Undertakes Major Review of School Curriculum
By Mong Palatino
The Marcos administration wants to make major changes to an education system that is still recovering from the closures of the COVID-19 pandemic.