In this photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), a Chinese Coast Guard ship sails near a PCG vessel during its patrol at Bajo de Masinloc, 124 nautical miles west of Zambales province, northwestern Philippines on March 2, 2022. Credit: Philippine Coast Guard via AP Advertisement Over the past year, the Philippines has been … Read more
Advertisement Fourteen months into President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s tenure, we are discovering that the Philippines’ future has profound implications for the region and the United States. The transformation of the Philippines into an increasingly active middle power under the younger Marcos may either uphold or upend peace in the South China Sea. During his inaugural … Read more
ASEAN Beat | Diplomacy | Southeast Asia President Marcos Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim say that Southeast Asian governments should be allowed to engage the junta informally. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (left) and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim holds talks in Putrajaya, Malaysia, July 26, 2023. Credit: Twitter/Anwar Ibrahim Advertisement Southeast Asian governments should be … Read more
Advertisement Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ended his second State of the Nation address on Monday by declaring that the country’s situation is “sound and improving” as he heralds the rise of “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines). This was a reference to the new branding adopted by the Marcos government as part of its communications … Read more
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. speaks to lawmakers and government officials after delivering his second state of the union speech in at the House of Representatives, in Quezon City, Philippines, July 24, 2023. Credit: Facebook/Bongbong Marcos Advertisement Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has used his annual State of the Union speech to emphasize his administration’s … Read more
ASEAN Beat | Politics | Southeast Asia The ruling opens the way to an investigation of extrajudicial killings, but trials of Philippine officials remain a remote prospect. Advertisement Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have rejected an attempt by the Philippines to block an investigation into the thousands killed during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs.” In … Read more
Members of the Philippine Coast Guard wave flags as they welcome the arrival of Chinese naval training ship, Qi Jiguang, for a goodwill visit at Manila’s port, Philippines Wednesday, June 14, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Basilio Sepe Advertisement A Chinese navy training ship yesterday made a port call in the Philippines, part of a three-day “goodwill … Read more
ASEAN Beat | Politics | Southeast Asia 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. Advertisement An apparent rift among allies of Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. could undermine his “unity” government barely a year after being sworn into power. First, former President … Read more
Sara Duterte, the Philippines’ vice president and education secretary, speaks to students at Capalayan Elementary School in Surigao City, Philippines, May 12, 2023. Credit: Facebook/Inday Sara Duterte Advertisement Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday announced her “irrevocable resignation” from the country’s ruling party due to “political toxicity,” adding to the intrigue that has surrounded … Read more
Advertisement Several initiatives could lead to an overhaul of the Philippine education sector under the government of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. First, legislators have already convened the Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom), which set a three-year timetable to evaluate the impact of the legal reforms implemented in 1991. Second, the Department of Education … Read more