Legitimation challenges

With a contentious family history, presumptive President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. faces an uphill battle in establishing his credibility as a leader. He said we should judge him by his actions — not by his family’s past. Let’s take him up on this challenge. How will we do this? First, we will look at whether he is getting the basics right. Is he addressing the issues that matter? What is he doing to achieve his campaign promises and policy pronouncements? Read More

Vote Right 2022: The Luzon Leg

The Stratbase ADR Institute, in partnership with Democracy Watch Philippines, conducted the final leg of the Vote Right 2022 Voter Education series last 2 May 2022. Entitled “Vote Right 2022: The Luzon Leg,” this final voter education forum leading up to the elections provided a space to remind students and voters as a whole of their responsibility to uphold democracy through casting their ballots. Read More

Risks and prospects for PH foreign policy

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine demonstrates how violent conflicts wreak havoc on the international system and undermine the global economy. Heightened geopolitical risks from such security challenges have continued to affect governments, businesses, and communities worldwide. The far-reaching implications are instructive of the essential roles of diplomacy and multilateral cooperation in ensuring long-term security and prosperity. Hence, a renewed definition and understanding of cooperation and strategic partnership among states to collectively solve conflicts and other security challenges have become more significant. Read More

ADRi vTHD: “Impactful Governance Reforms for the Next Administration”

The Philippines enjoys an abundance of areas which would benefit from significant, structural reform. There is a long list of governmental and societal problems which have largely remained unaddressed for several decades. Issues of generational poverty, corruption, and infrastructural stagnation are some key concerns. In light of these pressing challenges, but limited resources and political will, one is forced to consider which reforms should be given priority. Which reforms can generate high-impact, effective changes?  Read More

Addressing China’s gray zone operations through Philippines’ civil-maritime agencies

On April 17, 2012, the commanding general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Northern Luzon Command, Lieutenant General Anthony Alcantara, announced that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is replacing its lone patrol craft the BRP EDSA II with the BRP Pampanga during an intense stand-off with two China Maritime Surveillance (CSMU) ships off Scarborough Shoal. This dangerous maritime incident between China and the Philippines began on April 10 when the Philippine Navy (PN) dispatched its flagship, the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, to Scarborough Shoal to apprehend eight Chinese fishing boats allegedly illegally fishing in this land feature, which is claimed by both the Philippines and China. Read More