PHILIPPINES: Is there daylight between Duterte and the military on China?
The word war between Philippine and Chinese officials will not result in any immediate increase in risk from the Philippine side. However, the main unknown — and the key variable — is whether the developments of the past two weeks may be signaling a policy gap between Pres… Become a member to read the […]
PHILIPPINES: Economic worries may keep government from implementing a lockdown
Speculation is increasing in the capital of additional restrictions soon because new Covid-19 cases and the positivity rate have been rising steeply over the past two weeks. Today’s national number of 7,103 new cases is the highest since the start of the pandemic. Compared to ot… Become a member to read the rest of […]
PHILIPPINES: All the noise that’s fit to print
Speculation about the possible administration nominee to succeed President Rodrigo Duterte has increased, including his daughter, Sara, and top aide, Senator Lawrence Go. Funding, shifting survey numbers and alliance building make it difficult to disregard the names bein… Become a member to read the rest of this article
PHILIPPINES: Could the pandemic undo Duterte’s succession plans?
The economy could face headwinds that range from a slow or uneven vaccine rollout to persistent inflationary pressures. Should the economy become the key issue for the upcoming election season, then Duterte’s ability to influence his succession could weaken. To prote… Become a member to read the rest of this article
PHILIPPINES: Government considers some food price controls
Pork and vegetable prices have risen substantially over the past few weeks due to supply problems. While President Rodrigo Duterte has so far avoided any major fallout from the economic slowdown caused by the pandemic, persistent food inflation may be more politically problemati… Become a member to read the rest of this article
PHILIPPINES: Significant shift in energy policy
The government has removed foreign ownership restrictions on geothermal projects and stopped accepting applications for coal-fired power plants. While the shift is nominally driven by environmental goals, corporate developments around the gas sector could be a key driver. A… Become a member to read the rest of this article
PHILIPPINES: Duterte threatens Congress with … possibly, maybe, something
A fight over the speakership is threatening to delay the approval of the 2021 budget, which would slow the country’s economic recovery. President Rodrigo Duterte asked the legislators in a press conference to resolve the issue, otherwise he said, “I’ll do it for you.” … Become a member to read the rest of this […]
PHILIPPINES: Duterte Posts 91% Approval Ratings – Not a Misprint
The president’s numbers are up across geographies and socio-economic groups, even among those hardest-hit by the economic contraction. His approval ratings reflect public worries about the pandemic, which will likely cause his government to continue with its cautious and… Become a member to read the rest of this article
PHILIPPINES: Reforming national health insurer will be difficult
Recent congressional investigations have revealed widespread corruption in the agency. However, its internal controls are weak and the increasing complexity of its operations make it difficult for external agencies such as the Commission on Audit to exercise effective oversi… Become a member to read the rest of this article
PHILIPPINES: Duterte reluctantly agrees to doctors’ request for Manila lockdown
President Rodrigo Duterte re-imposed movement and business restrictions for the greater metropolitan Manila region from 4-18 August, following a plea Saturday from doctors’ organizations that the system could “not hold the line much longer.” The areas covered by the order account… Become a member to read the rest of this article