Weslene Uy, Deputy Executive Director for Research of the Stratbase ADR Institute Putting a stop to the deeply entrenched practice of contractualization was featured as one of then-candidate Rodrigo Duterte’s top promises on the campaign trail. As he stepped into office, he relentlessly warned companies that he would shut them down and revoke their permits… Read More

We are pleased to share with you our November occasional paper, entitled “A Balanced Approach to Solid Waste Management: Governance and Total Stakeholder Participation”. Written by Ms. Vanessa Pepino, Environment Fellow of Stratbase ADR Institute, the paper’s central thesis is that while waste generation is an inevitable environmental concern for growing economies like the Philippines,… Read More

Dindo Manhit, President of the Stratbase ADR Institute After more than two years in office, the Duterte administration has not fulfilled its promise to end contractualization. Reports indicate that there are an estimated 1.3 million Filipinos who are contractually employed in the country. The efforts of the Office of the President and the Department of… Read More

Dindo Manhit, President of the Stratbase ADR Institute Embarking upon a “China-friendly” stance in the disputed South China Sea is a big blunder from the start. Lessons on sovereignty and economic trappings are many, and they should not be disregarded. The Duterte presidency’s pivot toward or strategic realignment with China is not only problematic but… Read More

Bienvenido Oplas, Jr., President of Minimal Government Thinkers (MGT) and Non-Resident Fellow of the Stratbase ADR Institute In terms of meeting its objectives, the Sin Tax Law of 2012 has so far yielded mixed results. It managed to raise revenue that benefited the universal health care program and other government welfare initiatives. However, whether or… Read More

Vanessa Pepino, Environment Fellow of the Stratbase ADR Institute Minerals are an essential part of modern society but its extraction comes with both opportunities for economic growth and challenges for social and environmental protection, among others. It makes sense that regulations and fiscal policies are in place to see to it that neither is compromised,… Read More

Vanessa Pepino, Environment Fellow of the Stratbase ADR Institute Globally recognized, the Philippines is one of the most mineral-rich countries, with an estimated $840 billion worth of untapped mineral wealth. But unknown to most, it is subject to doubled excise taxes when the Tax Reform for Inclusion and Acceleration (TRAIN) Law took effect. Along with… Read More