The Indo-Pacific region is in the middle of a pivotal moment in geopolitics where uncertainties continue to emanate from the changing power dynamics among states and evolving complex security threats. This has also prominently highlighted that the interdependence of states is no longer a government affair alone but has elevated the relevance of non-state actors including the private sector and civil society organizations.

The Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute (ADRi) has consistently led the discourse and provided the necessary platforms to raise issues regarding the Indo-Pacific’s political-security landscape and its significant impact on the Philippines. For 2021, ADRi is launching a new program entitled, Stratbase ADRi Foreign Policy Forum: The Indo-Pacific Discussion Series, to focus on the security challenges that the region is facing across different sectors – from the policy and economic environment towards the technology and digital space.

For the first session, ADRi held a virtual townhall discussion entitled, “Maintaining a Rules-Based Maritime Order”, on 14 April 2021, Wednesday. The conference was composed of leading local experts and scholars who analyzed the extent of persistent gray zone operations in the maritime space, as well as its impact on foreign policy and defense posture. Moreover, the session sought to open the discussion on cooperative governance, including capacity development, national-level regulatory amendments, or a framework for regional maritime governance.

Program

Opening Remarks
Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit
President, Stratbase ADR Institute

Keynote Address
Justice Antonio Carpio
Former Senior Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the Philippines

Simularity: South China Sea/West Philippine Sea Updates
Ms. Liz Derr
Founder and CEO, Simularity

China’s Coast Guard Law: A Time Bomb Ready to Explode
Dr. Chester Cabalza
President and Founder, International Development and Security Cooperation (IDSC)

Implications of the China Coast Guard Law to International Norms and National Policies
Dr. Jay Batongbacal
Director, UP Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea

Freedom of the Seas: Strategic Issues for the Philippine Defense Posture and the Regional Security Environment
RADM Rommel Ong
Professor of Praxis, Ateneo School of Government;
Executive Director, Security Reform Initiative

A Time of Political Uncertainty: Addressing Gray Zone Tactics in the Indo-Pacific Region
Dr. Renato de Castro
Trustee and Program Convenor, Stratbase ADR Institute

Closing Remarks
Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit
President, Stratbase ADR Institute

Host & Moderator:
Dr. Robin Michael Garcia
Non-Resident Fellow, Stratbase ADR Institute;
CEO, WR Numero Research