How should the Philippines engage the world?

September 23, 2016 Dindo Manhit, President of the Stratbase-Albert del Rosario Institute (ADRi) for Strategic and International Studies Image Source: The Philippine Star An analysis on the government’s “independent” foreign policy President Rodrigo Duterte has begun to chart a new foreign policy for the Philippines. His path, which he terms “independent,” is one that reviews… Read More

Reluctant pursuit: The Duterte administration’s defense policy

September 1, 2016 Renato de Castro, Stratbase-ADRi Trustee Image Source: The Philippine Star In 2010, President Benigno Aquino III declared his unequivocal support for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Yet despite being determined to boost the AFP’s territorial defense capabilities, the Aquino administration had financial constraints. And so while Aquino… Read More

A Marine Park in the West Philippine Sea; An Ecological Approach to Maritime issues

Amid a tumultuous legal and diplomatic atmosphere in Southeast Asia over the disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea, experts from the scientific community have proposed the establishment of a marine park. In setting up a marine protected area, our region could halt the devastating environmental degradation and help claimant-States sustainably benefit from the fishery… Read More

Commentary: How a marine-protected area in the South China Sea is crucial for peace

By Atty. Lysander Castillo Marine Protected Areas are declared to protect the existing biodiversity and the integrity of the marine ecosystem in the area. How can the setup help the Philippines deal with the South China Sea issue? An environmental expert explains. The maritime and territorial tug-of-war between states bordering the South China Sea, beyond… Read More

ADRi Forum: Energy Insights: The New Administration’s Energy Plan

The new Duterte administration has promised to bring change to energy sectors and constituencies around the Philippines, committing to energize the whole country and provide reliable, efficient sources of Energy. Today, two months since the President’s inauguration, it is time to look at the Duterte government’s first steps in implementing this agenda, and better understand… Read More

ADRi Forum: Pulse Asia Briefing on the 2016 Elections Survey Results

As an organization that strives to cultivate political awareness and continuous civic engagement through our advocacy, Democracy Watch Philippines organized a voter education and information campaign in the past year to educate the youth and other stakeholders through our partnership with the COMELEC and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV). Despite the apparent success of the 2016… Read More