Stratbase ADR Institute

Stakeholders from the government, the diplomatic community, academia and think tanks will discuss the maritime security cooperation at a forum organized by the French Embassy, in partnership with Stratbase Institute.

The forum titled “Exploring Maritime Cooperation: The Role of International Partnerships on Maritime Security” to be held at 9 a.m. at the Legaspi 2 Ballroom, Makati Diamond Hotel, Makati City on 23 January 2025 is the second installment of the “Blue Talks” series which aim to explore the various dimensions of maritime security cooperation between the Philippines and France.

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Forum tackles maritime security cooperation Stakeholders from the government, the diplomatic community, academia and think tanks will discuss the maritime security cooperation at a forum organized by the

SWS: Marcos’ net satisfaction rating drops in December 2024 | ANC Here are the stories that made it to ANC's "Top Story."Join ANC PRESTIGE to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvi6hEzLM-Z_unKPSuuzKvg/join...

“Over the past two years, an increasingly confident and belligerent China has thrust its South China Sea aggression into overdrive, fixating on the Philippines as its primary target. Manila now faces what amounts to a large-scale maritime occupation of its internationally recognized exclusive economic zone by a hostile imperial power.”

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte saw their public satisfaction ratings almost tied by the end of 2024, according to the latest survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS) commissioned by Stratbase Group.

Marcos, Duterte public satisfaction ratings statistically tied—SWS - Manila Standard President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte saw their public satisfaction ratings almost tied by the end of 2024, according to the

Stratbase Group founder and CEO Dindo Manhit explained that the sharp decline in Marcos' satisfaction rating was driven by frustrations over the government's supposed insufficient response to surging inflation.

“Filipinos are struggling with the relentless rise in prices of essential goods, and the administration's efforts to cushion these impacts have been perceived as lacking urgency and effectiveness. This growing economic strain has eroded public confidence," Manhit said.

Marcos, Duterte see drop in satisfaction ratings in December: SWS | ABS-CBN News President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. recorded a net satisfaction rating of +19 for December 2024, while Vice President Sara Duterte's was at +21 for the same month.

Yesterday, the Stratbase Institute with the Center for Naval Analyses held a roundtable discussion on the US-Philippines security cooperation from the regional, political, and security dimensions.

Prof. Dindo Manhit, President and CEO of Stratbase Institute, shared the geopolitical security environment of the Philippines focusing on the recent developments in the West Philippine Sea, the implications of the upcoming 2025 National Midterm Elections, and the opportunities in both countries’ current and upcoming political landscape.

The discussion welcomed the delegates from the United States led by Dr. Satu Limaye (Senior Fellow, China and Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Program, CNA) and Mr. Brett Blackshaw (Foreign Service Officer (POLAD) to the Commander, Embassy of the United States in the Philippines) with Ms. Tamara Hemphill (Senior Research Scientist, Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, CNA) and CAPT Angela Edwards (Chief, International Plans & Policy, U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet).

In deepening the discussion on the security landscape in the Philippines and the cooperation between the U.S. and the Philippines, representatives from the Philippine security experts joined the discussion – MGen. Restituto Padilla Jr. (Ret.) (Former Spokesperson and Deputy Chief of Staff for J5, Armed Forces of the Philippines), Dr. Renato de Castro (Trustee and Convenor, and Non-Resident Fellow, Stratbase Institute), Dean Jemy Gatdula (Non-Resident Fellow, Stratbase ADR Institute;Dean, University of Asia and the Pacific-Institute of Law), Dr. Chester Cabalza (Non-Resident Fellow, Stratbase Institute; Founding President, International Development and Security Cooperation), and Mr. Don McLain Gill (Non-Resident Fellow, Stratbase Institute; Lecturer, Department of International Studies, De La Salle University). The discussion was moderated by Ms. Mary Joyce Ilas-Reyes (Deputy Executive Director for Strategic Engagements, Stratbase Institute).

The Stratbase Institute looks forward to strengthening partnerships with like-minded countries, such as the United States in addressing security challenges and fostering cooperation amidst the evolving geopolitical risks and asymmetric challenges in the region.

Japan on Wednesday called for strengthened cooperation with the Philippines, particularly in the field of security and global affairs.

This developed as Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya paid a courtesy call on President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. at Malacañang Palace.

Japan wants stronger cooperation with PH on security, global affairs Japan on Wednesday called for strengthened cooperation with the Philippines, particularly in the field of security and global affairs. This developed as Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya paid a courtesy call on President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. at Malacañang Palace.

Prof. Dindo Manhit, President of Stratbase ADRi, writes on “Thinking Beyond Politics”, a BusinessWorld opinion column:

“The people are telling us something. Political noise notwithstanding, what Filipinos care about is that they are able to afford the basic needs of their families and enjoy a measure of security in their economic future. The trends observed last year, as demonstrated by the surveys, show a widening gap between public expectations and government action.

This indicates that the people want more. Their confidence in their leaders is waning and they are very much aware of the leadership and governance challenges that have been left unaddressed.”

Governance and economic growth are deeply intertwined https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2025/01/15/646553/governance-and-economic-growth-are-deeply-intertwined/

Prof. Dindo Manhit, President of Stratbase ADRi, writes on “Thinking Beyond Politics”, a BusinessWorld opinion column:

“The people are telling us something. Political noise notwithstanding, what Filipinos care about is that they are able to afford the basic needs of their families and enjoy a measure of security in their economic future. The trends observed last year, as demonstrated by the surveys, show a widening gap between public expectations and government action.

This indicates that the people want more. Their confidence in their leaders is waning and they are very much aware of the leadership and governance challenges that have been left unaddressed.”

Governance and economic growth are deeply intertwined - BusinessWorld Online A new year is supposed to occasion introspection and a new way of seeing things. As we welcome 2025, it is time to change the mindset that good governance on one hand, and economic growth on the other, are mutually exclusive concerns. On the contrary, they are deeply intertwined, and one will hardly...

Under the Marcos Jr. administration, the Philippines has shifted its focus from internal to external security in response to the increasing aggression in the West Philippine Sea. Central to this transformation is the implementation of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC), the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the adoption of key legislation such as the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, and the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act.

In this context, strengthening partnerships with like-minded nations on maritime security has become a critical strategy. As President Marcos Jr. highlighted in his State of the Nation Address, fostering partnerships with states that share similar interests is a cornerstone of enhancing the country’s defense posture. To date, the Philippines has formalized over 30 engagements with international defense and security partners, conducting a series of multilateral maritime exercises to address shared security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

Among these like-minded partners is France, a key player in the Indo-Pacific region through its overseas territories, which has shown its solidarity with the Philippines. France’s participation in the 39th Balikatan Exercises and Pegase 24, as well as its commitment to providing 40 patrol vessels and logistical support to the Philippine Coast Guard, underscores its support in enhancing the Philippines' maritime security and safety capabilities.

Defense is nevertheless only one aspect of maritime security, which also relies on the the safety of maritime transportation and the modernization of critical infrastructures. In a region where maritime trade is vital to economic prosperity, ensuring safe and efficient movement of goods and people across the seas is paramount. In this light, both nations are renewing commitments to a sustainable and progressive maritime industry, as exemplified by the recent renewal of the Memorandum of Agreement with the Maritime Industry Authority.

The French Embassy in the Philippines, in partnership with Stratbase Institute, will organize a hybrid event titled “Exploring Maritime Cooperation: The Role of International Partnerships on Maritime Security," to be held on January 23, 2025 (Thursday), from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (PHT). The event will be livestreamed online via Zoom.

This second installment of the Blue Talks series aims to explore the various dimensions of maritime security to identify areas where cooperation between the Philippines and France could be most valuable. This would likewise provide an overview of the current international partnerships enhancing the Philippines’ capacities in the maritime sector and shed light on the remaining challenges while taking stock of what is already covered. The program will feature the presentation of a joint policy brief, co-authored by Stratbase Institute and the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI), which will focus on the challenges and opportunities in maritime cooperation between the two nations. The event will bring together key stakeholders from the government, diplomatic community, academia, and think tanks to discuss the future of maritime security cooperation, with a particular focus on issues such as maritime sovereignty, navigation safety, and port modernization.

To join the discussion, register through this link: http://bit.ly/4ajWae3

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Exploring Maritime Cooperation: The Role of International Partnerships on Maritime Security. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. The French Embassy in the Philippines, in partnership with Stratbase Institute, will organize a hybrid event titled “Exploring Maritime Cooperation: The Role of International Partnerships on Maritime Security," to be held on January 23, 2025 (Thursday), from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (PHT). The event...

The Philippines is eyeing to “elevate bilateral relations” with India, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday, during his meeting with Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita in Malacañang.

Philippines eyes to ‘elevate bilateral relations’ with India: Marcos Jr. | ABS-CBN News The Philippines is eyeing to “elevate bilateral relations” with India, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday.

The Philippines said China's deployment this month of a "monster" coast guard vessel demonstrated Beijing's "increasing aggression" in the disputed waterway.

Philippines says alarmed by Chinese ships moving closer to shore | ABS-CBN News The Philippines said Tuesday it was alarmed by Chinese coast guard patrols which are growing closer to the country's shore.

As tensions rise in the West Philippine Sea, experts are calling for greater cooperation among like-minded nations to counter China’s increasingly aggressive actions in the region. This plea was made during a forum on Japan and the Philippines’ strategic cooperation held on Friday by the Stratbase Institute, in partnership with the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.

Experts urge stronger cooperation amid growing Chinese aggression in West Philippine Sea → Context.ph As tensions rise in the West Philippine Sea, experts are calling for greater cooperation among like-minded nations to counter China's increasingly aggressive actions in the region. This plea was made during a forum on Japan and the Philippines' strategic cooperation held on Friday by the Stratbase I...

Yesterday, Stratbase Institute President and CEO Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit was invited to speak about The State of the Philippines, ASEAN and the World in 2025 at the Asian Institute of Management during the ASEAN Faculty Development in International Business Program hosted by the Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) of the University of Colorado Denver.

The delegation was joined by business professors from key universities such as BYU Marriott School of Business and University of Colorado Boulder.

During his presentation, Prof. Manhit spoke of the economic outlook of the Philippines as it is on track to be one of the top 20 economies in the coming years. To achieve this, he underscored strategic collaboration between the government, private sector, and the international community to achieve national interest and economic security for the country.

Prof. Dindo Manhit, President of Stratbase ADRi, writes on his regular column in INQUIRER.net:

“The Japan-Philippines strategic partnership has reached unprecedented heights, with further avenues for collaboration anticipated this year.

Every decision carries weight, and navigating challenges with caution and respect for international law remains paramount.

By adhering to these principles, we can approach 2025 and the coming years with cautious optimism, seizing opportunities to strengthen cooperation, and foster peaceful coexistence among nations.”

PH-Japan’s long-standing friendship https://opinion.inquirer.net/179944/ph-japans-long-standing-friendship

"The Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) is just the beginning of our defense partnership with Japan. With key laws like the Self-Reliant Defense Posture law and the Senate's ratification of the RAA, we're strengthening interoperability and defense posture, significantly enhancing our joint military exercises and activities. As the first defense partnership of its kind in Southeast Asia, the Philippines' relationship with Japan serves as a model for the region, with Japan’s support for the modernization of the Philippine Coast Guard underscoring the importance of economic and security cooperation in building national resilience. This unique relationship extends beyond official development assistance to include security assistance, offering a significant boost to our defense infrastructure."

Dr. Chester Cabalza
Non-Resident Fellow, Stratbase Institute;
Founding President, International Development and Security Cooperation

WATCH: Reinforcing Japan-Philippines Strategic Cooperation to Maintain Peace and Stability in the Indo-Pacific
https://www.facebook.com/stratbaseadri/videos/622121763675872

"The Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) is a building block. It is a work in progress, and we should treat it as that. It's not going to be the cure for all the problems that we have. It's a starting point for enhanced security relations between the Philippines and Japan but it cannot be the end game. We should look at a more holistic and much more ambitious undertaking, not only between the Philippines and Japan, but all other like-minded democracies in East Asia."

RADM Rommel Jude Ong (Ret)
Non-Resident Fellow, Stratbase Institute; Professor of Praxis, Ateneo School of Government

WATCH: Reinforcing Japan-Philippines Strategic Cooperation to Maintain Peace and Stability in the Indo-Pacific
https://www.facebook.com/stratbaseadri/videos/622121763675872