Why the Philippines Is Investing Heavily in Defense: A Strategic Imperative in a Changing Indo-Pacific For decades, the Philippines was not seen as a military heavyweight. It wasn’t trying to be. The country focused inward, on development, on domestic stability, on economic growth. Defense spending existed, yes, but it was modest. Functional. Limited. That era…
EDCA Is Not a U.S. Base: Manila’s Strategic Recalibration Amid Middle East Tensions Last week, as headlines screamed about possible escalation between Iran and Israel, a different kind of panic started trending in Manila. “Are we about to be dragged into someone else’s war?” That was the message lighting up group chats. That was the…
Philippines–US–Japan Military Drills Over the Bashi Channel (Feb 2026) The morning fog over Batanes hung thick, curling around the jagged cliffs like it was hiding something. Something big. I was standing there, watching the tiny fishing boats bob against waves that now shared space with gray silhouettes of warships, Philippine, US, and Japanese, sliding through…
Does Indonesia Also Have a Stake in Sabah? Last week, when headlines once again mentioned “heightened patrols near Sabah” and quiet diplomatic conversations in Kuala Lumpur, something struck me. Not what was said. But what wasn’t. Every time Sabah makes the news, the script feels familiar. It’s always framed as Malaysia versus the Philippines. The…
Catholic Church to Open a Mission on a South China Sea Island Claimed by the Philippines and China “We bring no weapons. We bring the Gospel.” That quiet line, shared in early reports this week, hit harder than any naval press release. Because here’s the question no one expected to ask in 2026: What happens…
Philippines Strengthens Grip in South China Sea with Pag-asa Runway Upgrade “The runway is complete.” That was the quiet line coming out of Manila this week, almost understated, almost routine. And yet, if you’ve been watching the South China Sea even casually, you know this is not routine. Not even close. Here’s the real question:…
Philippine Senator Urges Stronger Defense Against China on Pag-asa Island She stood on a small wind-beaten island in the middle of contested waters and said it plainly: “We must assert our sovereign rights consistently and without fear.” — Risa Hontiveros That wasn’t a speech delivered in an air-conditioned hall in Manila. It was delivered on…
AFP Commissions Two New Naval Vessels Amid Maritime Security Push The latest news out of Subic didn’t come with fireworks or fighter jet flyovers. It came with something quieter and honestly, more serious. On February 24, 2026, at Naval Operating Base Subic in Zambales, the Armed Forces of the Philippines commissioned two new naval vessels….
Philippines Eyes Port and Airstrip Expansion in West Philippine Sea Kalayaan Island Group “We are not retreating from the West Philippine Sea. We are reinforcing our presence.” That line from officials in Manila hit differently this time. Because this isn’t just another statement for the press cycle. This is concrete. Asphalt. Steel. Dredgers. Expansion plans….
Philippines is moving toward military cooperation with Taiwan, which could further destabilize the already tense dynamics in the South China Sea “Any attempt to expand military cooperation in areas surrounding Taiwan will be met with firm opposition,” a spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China warned just days ago….
