Why the Philippines won the South China Sea, but China has taken the spoils
One year after the Philippines won recognition of its rights to disputed waters, China still does as it wishes – untouched by international law.
Philippines
A ticking time bomb in the Philippines: A second Marawi will come
The occupation and siege of Marawi exposed the unpreparedness of the Philippines government. Groups are expected to capitalise on this weakness with more attacks to follow.
Deal or no deal? Duterte’s flip flopping in the face of extremism
Duterte talks tough in public but tries to broker deals in the back rooms. Is he a warmonger or a peace monger?
A year of failures: Have we overestimated Duterte?
Marawi has exposed glaring chinks in Duterte’s armour. His first year has failed to bring change to the country. How much longer can his support continue?
Christians face persecution in Marawi city held by ISIS-inspired militants
The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria’s (ISIS) insurgency in Marawi city of Philippines has sent non-Muslims, especially Christians, fleeing for their lives. Southeast Asia must act decisively to curb growing radicalism in the region.
Why Duterte is right to apply martial law
Gunfights continue on the streets of Marawi as Philippine forces struggle to contain a terrorist insurgency led by IS-loyalists. Duterte has proclaimed martial law but his opponents fear a return to the dark days of the Marcos administration.
[Brief] Consolidated credit database likely to improve lending and boost economic growth in the Philippines in 2018
The Philippines will launch a credit consumer database in 2018 in a bid to bolster retail lending.
Philippines, a nation under siege?
As the situation in Marawi begins to wind down, the Philippines and Southeast Asian region must brace themselves for newer problems. President Duterte must look beyond the military formula to bring lasting peace to Mindanao.
Duterte to open door for European and North Asian states to join ASEAN
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has openly supported the idea of Mongolia and Turkey – neither of which are Southeast Asian countries – joining ASEAN. The idea is a non-starter but it has led to some calls for ASEAN’s policy of rotating its chairmanship to be reconsidered.
Secret cells: a new low for the PNP and the war on drugs
Even for a police force that President Duterte says is “corrupt to the core”, illegally detaining suspects in a secret cell is a shocking abuse of their powers. The Filipino president is fighting his war on drugs while simultaneously battling with a police force that he does not trust.