Four years have passed since the Philippines legally won the South China Sea arbitration case which invalidated China’s claim to historic rights over resources within the West Philippine Sea. Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, however, China continues to assert its claim in the disputed waters in the South China Sea while disregarding the legal… Read More

Dr. Carlos Primo David, Trustee and Convenor of the Global Energy and the Environment Program, Stratbase ADR Institute As we reach for the economic reset button in the face of the continuing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, let’s take a step back and reimagine what the country would and should look like in the new… Read More

Venice Isabella Rañosa, Research Manager, Stratbase ADR Institute The COVID-19 pandemic has caused economies to fall. To bounce back, the Philippines has adopted a whole-of-society approach in turn-around management. A basic advantage of the Philippines is its cohesive private sector that has taken the lead and has quickly channeled resources towards the most vulnerable communities.… Read More

Since popping up on the national political scene in 2016, President Duterte has enchanted and created a following with his populist rhetoric and strongman leadership. At the same time, however, his administration has also been criticized for the lack of strong institutional bureaucratic mechanisms. Fast forward to 2020, the country is in the middle of… Read More

Terry Ridon, Non-Resident Fellow of Stratbase ADR Institute and Convenor of InfraWatch PH As lockdown restrictions ease in Metro Manila, the nation is forced to confront the reality that the old streets and familiar haunts are not anymore, the same. The roads are less busy, and the malls are not buzzing with families and friends… Read More

Dindo Manhit, President, Stratbase ADR Institute Moving fast forward into the digital age will be the revolutionizing side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the imposition of quarantine restrictions in the movement of people and business operations, majority of Filipinos have learned to embrace digital technologies as part of the new normal. The National Economic… Read More

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only strained the public health care system; it also impeded economic activities that eventually led to a contraction in the economy. The case is true in practically all countries around the world. On the other hand, the situation created a significant improvement in air quality due to reduced movement during… Read More