Does the Philippines need new laws to ensure responsible mining?

Atty. Lysander Castillo, Stratbase-ADRi Environment Fellow and Secretary-General of the Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship (PBEST) An analysis on the government’s mining laws and policies There is a general recognition that mining is a necessary component of economic growth in the Philippines. Since the 1970s, mining has been regarded as a potential driver of economic development.… Read More

ADRi Pilipinas Conference: “Promotion of Foreign Investments and Enhancement of SMEs: Sharing Strategies and Opportunities”

The Philippines’ economic potential has brought international firms to the Philippines’ doorstep. With the onset of globalization, small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) were also presented with opportunities. Regardless of size, these firms are vibrant and essential ingredients for sustained economic growth. How can the government promote and protect investment? At the same time, how… Read More

Proper Implementation is Needed, Not Alternative Mining Bills

Atty. Lysander Castillo, ADRi Environment Fellow and Secretary-General of Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship (PBEST). THERE IS A GENERAL recognition that mining is a necessary component of economic growth in the Philippines. Since the 1970s, mining has been regarded as a potential driver of economic development. The demands of a fast growing population, within the… Read More

Contentious Capital: The Political Economy of Chinese Investments in the Philippines

We are pleased to share this month’s Occasional Paper entitled “Contentious Capital: the Political Economy of Chinese Investments in the Philippines.” Written by contributing expert Mr. Alvin Camba, the paper examines the relationship between China’s investment pathway into the Philippines relative to the strength of Philippine domestic institutions and to competing domestic political demands. Over… Read More

ADRi Pilipinas Conference: “The Changing Strategic Environment: The Philippines’ and ASEAN’s role in the South China Sea”

It is imperative to cull the best thinking on how to strategically address geopolitical issues despite economic and social changes. This session takes stock of the rhetoric and actions of the claimants and other relevant stakeholders with a view to mapping out continuity and changes in these countries’ policies and the dynamics of interactions between… Read More

ADRi Pilipinas Conference: “Pursuing a Federal Structure for the Philippines”

The Stratbase-ADRi’s yearly culminating event, entitled “Pilipinas Conference” with the theme “Forward Looking Perspectives: Understanding the Opportunities Beyond Politics”, will look ahead to 2017 by taking on questions about the vision and outlook for Philippine economic growth and diplomatic leadership during the Duterte administration. The Philippines’ possible shift to a federal system of government could… Read More

Commentary: Democratic notes on Marcos burial at Libingan

Dindo Manhit, President of the Stratbase-Albert del Rosario Institute (ADRi) for Strategic and International Studies Once again, Philippine society is featured in the pages of world history. When, in February 1986, the Filipino people stood up for their democracy, we were hailed in different international circles. Our love for our democracy was a distinguishing national… Read More