Once heralded as a formidable alliance, the political partnership between Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, has spectacularly unraveled, unleashing a wave of mutual accusations that threaten to upset Marcos’s reform agenda and inject uncertainty into the country’s political landscape. The alliance, which propelled both families to power in the 2022…
In a recent sequence of events, the Philippines effectively repelled cyber-attacks originating from Chinese-based hackers targeting crucial government websites and email systems, including those linked to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). Renato Paraiso, the spokesperson for DICT, confirmed the attempted breaches, emphasizing the involvement of hackers traced…
Introduction Vietnam and the Philippines have recently signed significant agreements aimed at enhancing security in the disputed South China Sea. These agreements focused on bolstering cooperation in coastguard operations, maritime security, and trade, serve as a united response to assert sovereignty and ensure stability in the region. This development underscores the growing strategic partnership between…
A Brief Geopolitical tensions have long plagued the Middle East, with recent developments sparking concerns of a full-scale war. Various factors, including political unrest, economic challenges, and religious and ethnic conflicts, have contributed to increased regional tensions. The Middle East is indeed edging closer to a wider regional conflict, as noted by Julian Borger, the…
Introduction In the context of the Philippines’ historical struggle with maritime disputes and its evolving defense posture, the impending delivery of the India-Russia-made BrahMos missiles at a cost of US$375 million represents a significant milestone in the nation’s pursuit of enhanced maritime security. This acquisition, following a slight delay, underscores the Philippines’ determination to assert…
Introduction Amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea, where territorial disputes between China and the Philippines have raised concerns of potential conflict, the Philippines stands out as an economic stronghold. Despite China’s aggressive actions, including interference at the Second Thomas Shoal and clashes at sea. The Philippines has exhibited impressive economic resilience on the…
In a recent presidential statement, there was a call for action regarding the rampant drug epidemic, particularly focusing on the potent narcotic fentanyl. The president emphasized the gravity of fentanyl’s strength as a painkiller, its high addictive potential, and its severe side effects. Expressing concern, the president highlighted the prolonged use of fentanyl by an…
Introduction The history of the Philippines is deeply etched with the imprints of successive colonial empires. Notably, the period of American colonialism, spanning from 1898 to 1946, stands as a pivotal chapter. Following the 1898 Treaty of Paris, the Philippines transitioned from Spanish rule to American authority in the aftermath of the Spanish-American War. This…
The South China Sea, a vital crossroads for global trade with an annual value approaching trillions, emerges as a geopolitical flashpoint where economic interests intersect with territorial disputes. This strategic waterway facilitates one-third of the world’s trade and the transit of millions of barrels of oil daily. Contested by nations including China, Vietnam, Malaysia, the…
Introduction The classification of the Philippines as a rich or poor country hinges on various criteria. According to the World Bank, it falls into the lower-middle-income category, reflecting progress in economic growth but persistent challenges like poverty and inequality. Its nominal GDP of $435.67 billion (2023 est.) ranks 34th globally, and when adjusted for purchasing…
