ARTICLES

8 Nov 2022

UNCLOS: The Polestar for Philippine Maritime Ambitions

Jacqueline F. Espenilla

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea has served the Philippines well in achieving its security, economic and environmental goals. The most high-profile application of UNCLOS was the country’s arbitration proceedings against China in 2013 over the South China Sea.

20 Oct 2022

Counter-Disinformation Beyond Fact-Checking: Insights from the Philippines

Jason Vincent A. Cabañes|Fernando A. Santiago, Jr.

The Philippines is currently at the global cutting edge of fake news and political trolling online. Unfortunately, the country has yet to find firm footing in stemming disinformation’s unruly growth.

Media Online Misinformation Philippine

12 Jul 2022

The China Factor and “Bongbong” Marcos’s Foreign Policy

Aaron Jed Rabena

While it is too early for his foreign policy platform to fully emerge, the Philippines' new president will have his hands full in calibrating Manila’s relationships with Washington and Beijing. It is not a foregone conclusion that he will lean strongly in either direction.

China-Philippine Relations Philippine Philippine Politics

29 Apr 2022

Local Matters in the 2022 Philippine Elections

Maria Ela L. Atienza

With most eyes on the national posts in the May 2022 Philippine elections, it is easy to overlook important governance issues at the local level. A new Supreme Court ruling will allocate more fiscal resources to but also demand more responsibilities from local governments. Yet lingering structural and political challenges prevent them from efficiently delivering basic services, initiating local development, and empowering the people.

Philippine Philippine Elections Philippine Politics

18 Apr 2022

Talk is Cheap: The 2022 Philippine Elections’ Climate Implications

Ruth Lusterio-Rico

President Duterte’s approach to environmental issues has been inconsistent. His declarations about solving environmental problems have been quite strong, but were not followed by concrete actions. The next President must strike a tough balance between fostering a business climate conducive to economic recovery, whilst moving ahead with climate action and environmental commitments.

Climate Change Environment Philippine Philippine Economy Philippine Politics Sustainable Development

12 Apr 2022

We’re Feeling It: Philippines Voters’ Emotional Beliefs in Presidential Candidates

Michael Magcamit

Emotions underlying voter decision might explain Philippine voters’ overwhelming support for Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as the leading candidate for president of the country, even when the historical record of his family’s notoriety suggests otherwise.

Philippine Philippine Elections Philippine Politics

25 Mar 2022

The Belt and Road Initiative and the Philippines’ Post-Duterte China Challenge

Aaron Jed Rabena

Even under China-friendly President Duterte, Chinese BRI projects in the Philippines still encountered strong political opposition and faced several challenges in their roll-out. Nevertheless, taking a broader view of the BRI shows that it has made some progress and jives with the development needs of the Philippines.

Belt and Road Initiative China-Philippine Relations Philippine Philippine Politics

15 Mar 2022

Reforming the Philippine Electoral Commission

Cleo Calimbahin

Less than two months before the presidential elections, the Commission of Elections (COMELEC), the Philippines' independent electoral authority, has been mired in controversy itself. It is high time to reform one of the oldest election commissions in the region.

Philippine Philippine Elections Philippine Politics

28 Feb 2022

Is an Opposition Alliance Still Possible in the 2022 Philippine Presidential Elections?

Elvin Ong

A united anti-Marcos-Duterte opposition alliance is still possible in the Philippines today, if opposition leaders accept difficult compromises with each other, just like they did 36 years ago.

Philippine Philippine Elections Philippine Politics