My Take: How to effectively counter a potential ouster plot

With social media abuzz with the so-called #LeniLeaks, i.e. the supposed exchange of messages between journalists working for 2 respectable media institutions, leaders of overseas Filipino groups, and the office of the second highest position in the land. If these are verified, as some top Duterte apologists (Thinking Pinoy, Sass Rogando Sasot, and others) allege,

Russia-Philippines relations

Lately we’ve been hearing reports that the Philippines intends to sign defence cooperation agreements, enhance economic relations, and even send workers to the Russian Federation, all of these as a result of a long-term effort to diversify our foreign relations and reduce dependency on the United States. You may remember that our relations with the

An independent foreign policy

In light of the President’s recent visits to the two major Asian powerhouses, China and Japan, we will highlight the Philippines’ intentions to create an entirely new foreign policy and what it means to us and what more should be done. You are all aware of the President’s severe (and sometimes vulgar) criticisms towards the

The Singaporean model and its applicability in the Filipino setting

(Apologies for the quite low-quality capture of the iconic Merlion.) In most political forums (most especially those advocating for a shift to a parliamentary form of government), you’ll see how the Philippines is being compared to Singapore, from internet speeds, implementation of laws, how disciplined the people are, how modern the infrastructure is (road, rail,

The People’s Broadcasting Corporation under the Duterte administration

(Excerpt from the State of the Nation Address. Credits: Presidential Communications) One of the key points of President Rodrigo Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) is the creation of a new public broadcasting company which shall adhere to, among other things, modern international standards, and a truly independent broadcasting network. We have discussed

Taiwan-PH relations in 2016: A possible thawing?

There could be a potential thawing of relations between the Philippines and Taiwan this 2016, given the fact that both countries held presidential elections, won by Rodrigo Duterte and Tsai Ing-wen, respectively, and the overall situation in the region which was marked by increased Chinese activity in the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea, thus straining

Finally! Pinansin na rin ang state media!

Pagkatapos umani ng iba’t ibang reaksyon ang mga komento ni President-elect Rodrigo Duterte ukol sa mga media killings noong May 31, 2016, na maging mitsa para manawagan ng boycott ang international organization na Reporters Without Borders sa PH media (na hindi sinunod ng KBP at NUJP), minabuti na lamang niya na idaan na lamang sa