ARTICLES

8 Jun 2020

Covid-19 in the Philippines: Corporate Bigwigs to the Rescue

Malcolm Cook

The corporate sector in the Philippines is widely recognised for its anti-competitive behaviour. But the Covid-19 pandemic has brought out the best from the much-maligned sector.

4 Jun 2020

Visiting Forces Agreement: Uncle Sam Still Welcome for Another Year

Ian Storey

The Philippines has suspended the planned termination of the 1998 Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States. But the alliance is not out of the woods yet.

Philippine Philippine-U.S. Relations Security

27 Apr 2020

Covid-19 in the Philippines: Star Mayors, Malacanang Material?

Malcolm Cook

A number of star mayors who have acted effectively during the country’s Covid-19 pandemic might well be in the presidential race come 2022.

COVID-19 Philippine Philippine Politics

27 Mar 2020

Covid-19: A Particular Philippine Problem

Malcolm Cook

The Covid-19 pandemic has sent the cruise industry floundering. This is hitting maritime seaman hard, in particular, those from the Philippines.

COVID-19 Philippine Philippine Economy

25 Mar 2020

Flattening the Curve, Flooring the Poor

Jayant Menon

Governments over-reaching in their Covid-19 responses are laying heavy burdens on the poorer among their citizens

COVID-19 Malaysia Philippine

10 Mar 2020

Duterte’s ‘Independent’ Foreign Policy: Independence from Criticism

Malcolm Cook

The Duterte administration has stressed the independent nature of its foreign policy. Apparently, this has been equated to freedom from foreign criticism.

Philippine Philippine-U.S. Relations Security

17 Feb 2020

Manila’s VFA Termination: A Win for China and Russia

Ian Storey

Manila’s decision to withdraw from the 1998 Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States will benefit China and Russia. Russia’s attempt to cozy up to the Philippines, however, might not be wholly welcomed by Beijing.

Philippine Philippine-U.S. Relations Security

6 Jul 2018

Philippine Federalism: More National-Level Politicians

Malcolm Cook

Philippines seeking to review the 1987 Constitution from a unitary to a federal system. But a leaked copy of the Committee's draft constitution supported critics' argument that it will benefit the political interests of the current national-level politicians than to contribute to a more efficient and devolved political system.

Philippine Philippine Consitution

5 Apr 2017

President Duterte: The Centralizer

Malcolm Cook

President Duterte's war on illegal drugs has claimed mounting death tolls and widespread human rights abuses. The drug war is used as the blanket reason to delay elections and centralize political power in the person of the president and reduces the checks and balances on this power.

Philippine Philippine Politics

9 Feb 2017

Checking and Balancing President Duterte

Malcolm Cook

Please note that it is the anti-drug crusade which has been extended to the end of Duterte's term in June 2022, not Duterte's term, which will end as scheduled in that month.

Philippine Philippine Politics