Tag "Philippines"
Duterte leverages popularity to push for constitutional change
The Congress of the Philippines has begun formal proceedings on changing the government of the Philippines into a federal system. The move is extremely divisive and is interpreted as a power grab. Its success will depend on Duterte’s political capital.
Philippine claim on Sabah will undermine regional security efforts
The recent proposal by a Filipino government representative to amend the Philippine constitution, to include Sabah within a federal system, will likely be shunned. The potential inclusion of Sabah risks legitimising fringe political voices and unsettling Malaysia-Philippine bilateral relations.
Catch-22 in the South China Sea: why preserving fish stocks is key to a resolution
ASEAN disunity means no end in sight for China’s island-building in the South China Sea. Yet those islands will destroy the coral reefs they are built on, and the very fish stocks China wants to control in the first place.
Under the Radar: Security in the Sulu Sea is set to improve
The region of the Sulu Sea, just last year branded the ‘New Somalia’, is benefiting from a new trilateral security initiative.
Is Duterte backpedaling on the drug war?
Recent polls suggest President Duterte’s bloody drug war may have lost popularity with the Filipino people, suggesting its end may be in sight.
ASEAN’s anti-terror coordination problem
On September 19 and 20, the ten ASEAN member countries gathered for two Ministerial Meetings to further define and strengthen the bloc’s position on counter-terrorism.
How human rights failures could destabilize the ASEAN region
If the region continues to overlook widespread human rights abuses, political stability and economic growth will be at risk.
The Week Ahead
Japan reworks its energy policy. Kenya goes to the polls. US and Russia meet at ASEAN summit. Brazil eyes pension reform. All in The Week Ahead.
Vietnam and the Philippines dive back into contested waters
Both Vietnam and the Philippines restarted drilling and exploring for oil in contested waters in the South China Sea – risking the ire of China.
From wannabes to warriors: the Maute group were underestimated
The Maute group have grown into a sophisticated transnational network of militants, posing a serious security threat for the Philippines and broader region.
