Politics and Policy
245 reports
Senate Approves September 2026 Schedule for the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections; MILF Calls on Government to Fulfill Peace Process Commitments
The Senate approved resetting the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections to September 14, 2026. While the move aims for a democratic transition, the MILF warns the peace process is in limbo due to implementation delays and the lack of a government negotiating counterpart.
ICC Concludes Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s Confirmation of Charges Hearing; Former Military Personnel Accuse Philippine Government of “Funding” Domestic ICC Activities
The ICC concluded a confirmation of charges hearing against former President Duterte for crimes against humanity. While Duterte waived his appearance, the court identified several co-perpetrators. Meanwhile, some former military personnel alleged illicit government funding of the ICC.
ANALYSIS: Who Could Be the Other 2028 Presidential Candidates
The 2028 presidential landscape is forming following VP Sara Duterte’s declaration. Probable contenders include Senators Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino, and Bong Go, alongside DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla. Many other prominent figures currently deny plans to seek the presidency.
Philippines Signs Defense and Digital Agreement with Italy and Estonia at Munich Security Conference
The Philippines signed defense and digital agreements with Italy and Estonia. The Italian pact focuses on maritime security and procurement, while the Estonian MOU targets cybersecurity and e-governance. These move bolster the country's defense and technological infrastructure.
DICT and CICC Leadership Formalized: Gorospe and Paraiso End Interim Period
Julius Gorospe is the new Undersecretary for Cybersecurity at the Department of Information and Communications Technology, while Renato Paraiso leads the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center. Both will enhance public and private partnerships to combat rising online threats.
New 21 LEDAC Priority Measures Announced, Bringing Total Priority Measures to 52
President Marcos approved 21 new legislative priorities, including the Anti-Political Dynasty Law and BARMM election reforms. While aimed for June 2026 passage, progress may be slowed by impeachment complaints against the Vice President and a busy congressional calendar.
Vice President Duterte Announces Presidential Bid for 2028
Vice President Sara Duterte has announced her 2028 presidential bid, formally positioning herself as the primary opposition leader. She faces potential impeachment and complications regarding her father’s International Criminal Court case, which could impact her eligibility and influence.
Recommended Reading: Pax Silica: alliances, frontier and markets in the geopolitics of the chip
The United States is implementing Pax Silica to secure the semiconductor supply chain against major power competition. This geopolitical strategy frames the recent critical minerals pact with the Philippines as a vital move for regional technological and military advancement.
Impeachment Complaint Against President Marcos Insufficient in Form and Substance, New Complaint Filed Against Vice President Duterte
Impeachment efforts against President Marcos Junior have effectively ceased after a House panel dismissal. Conversely, Vice President Sara Duterte faces a third complaint alleging the misuse of six hundred twelve million pesos, which may threaten her future political eligibility.
Status Quo Holds in Senate As Blue Ribbon Committee Report Fuels Rumours of Senate Presidency Coup
A rumored Senate leadership coup against President Sotto failed following private negotiations. The unrest was triggered by corruption investigations and committee shifts, though a potential power-sharing agreement with Senator Legarda may signal a leadership change before the term ends.
Impeachment Complaints Filed Against Both President Marcos and Vice President Duterte
In a historic move, impeachment complaints have been filed against both President Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte. While the House found the complaints against the President sufficient in form, new filings against the Vice President focus on alleged misuse of confidential funds.
COMELEC Officially Postpones the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections
The Comelec officially postponed the March 2026 Bangsamoro elections due to redistricting delays. Legislative power to set a new date now rests with Congress, with proposals favoring September 2026. This marks the third delay since 2022, highlighting ongoing legal and transition hurdles.
Impeachment Complaints Filed Against President Marcos
Impeachment complaints against President Marcos Jr. were filed in the House but face low odds of advancing due to strong administration support. The allegations center on the ICC, drug use claims, and budget corruption, yet the developments may still dampen investor confidence in the country.
Japan, Philippines Sign Two Defense Agreements and One Economic Assistance Program
The Philippines and Japan signed a new defense pact (ACSA) on January 15 to facilitate the transfer of military supplies. Japan also pledged significant security and economic aid for infrastructure, reinforcing trilateral cooperation with the United States amid Indo-Pacific tensions.
Bangsamoro Parliament Passes Districting Law But Actual Election Date Still Unclear
The Bangsamoro Parliament passed a new districting law, yet the March 30, 2026, election date remains unfeasible due to constitutional limits on redistricting timelines. The Comelec is urging Congress to pass a new law to ensure the first regular regional elections occur within 2026.
ANALYSIS: A Deeper Look Into the 2026 National Budget
President Marcos Jr. signed the 2026 national budget, which features a massive cut to the DPWH and a significant increase for education. Despite efforts at transparency, the budget remains controversial due to remaining unprogrammed funds, sparking petitions for judicial review.
Sulu Bans All Moro Islamic Liberation Front Activity Within the Province
Sulu has banned MILF activities following its exit from the Bangsamoro region, citing jurisdictional shifts. While large-scale violence is currently unlikely, the rift complicates the peace process and creates potential openings for splinter groups to exploit political instability.
President Marcos Approves PHP 6.793-Trillion 2026 National Budget
President Marcos signed the PHP 6.793 trillion 2026 budget after delays caused by disagreements over infrastructure allocations. The final law includes reallocations prompted by ongoing corruption probes, signaling continued legislative scrutiny of public spending.
Assessment on Political Stability
Infrastructure corruption scandals have triggered leadership changes and public protests. While minority groups call for resignation, a change in administration is unlikely without significant military or broad public support.
Assessment on Legislative Developments
Congress is prioritizing economic governance and land use policies in 2026. However, corruption probes and early preparations for the 2028 elections may slow the enactment of these key administration priority bills.
2026 General Appropriations Bill To be Ratified by Congress by December 29
Congress plans to ratify the PHP 6.8 trillion General Appropriations Bill on December 29. The tight schedule gives President Ferdinand Marcos minimal review time, risking a delayed approval and a reenacted budget that could disrupt early 2026 business operations.
DPWH Corruption Investigations: Discaya, Nine Others Arrested, Undersecretary Cabral Found Dead
Contractor Sarah Discaya was arrested for a fraudulent infrastructure project. Meanwhile, the sudden death of former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, a key witness, complicates the ongoing corruption investigation.
EDSA Rehabilitation Phase 1 to Start on December 24
The eight-month EDSA rehabilitation begins December 24 with 12 days of continuous work followed by night shifts. Public transit remains functional, but enterprises must prepare for temporary holiday traffic disruptions and lower localized foot traffic.
President Marcos Requests Congress to Prioritize Anti-Dynasty Bill, Three Others
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the Congress to prioritize four bills addressing political dynasties, electoral reform, infrastructure corruption, and budget transparency. Without formal urgent certification, these measures risk delays amid legislative resistance.
Former DPWH Secretary Singson Quits the ICI
Rogelio Singson resigned from the Independent Commission on Infrastructure over health and security concerns, threatening agency credibility. Lawmakers now propose bills to empower the commission while authorities pursue suspects in a fraudulent flood control project.
SUMMARY: CrowdStrike Report on DeepSeek-R1
CrowdStrike research indicates that the DeepSeek-R1 model produces less secure code when prompts contain terms sensitive to Chinese regulations. This unpredictability introduces technical risks, forcing enterprises to increase validation and security scanning for all generated outputs.
What Does the Konektadong Pinoy Act Say About Data Localization
The newly released implementing rules for the Konektadong Pinoy Act lack an explicit data localization mandate. However, the department's directive to safeguard local data leaves room for future executive orders that could enforce strict domestic data storage regulations.
DPWH Corruption Investigations: Warrant of Arrest Issued for Zaldy Co, 16 Others
The anti-graft court Sandiganbayan issued arrest warrants for former Representative Zaldy Co, public works officials, and Sunwest Corporation over a PHP 289.5 million corruption case. Seven are detained; Co remains at large as authorities seek an international police notice.
High-Ranking Executive Officials Resign From Office Over Alleged Corruption Involvement
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin, and Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman resigned after being implicated in a public infrastructure corruption scandal. Investigations continue amid new cabinet leadership appointments.
Ombudsman Plans to Create Task Force on Villar Family Links to Flood Control
The Office of the Ombudsman will investigate the Villar family and their business interests over allegations that public infrastructure and flood control projects in Las Piñas and Cavite were designed to unduly benefit their real estate properties.
Unconfirmed Reports of ICC Warrant Against Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa
Reports indicate an unconfirmed International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Senator Ronald Dela Rosa. The Senate opposes enforcement on its legislative grounds, creating potential operational friction and complex legal disputes over local extradition procedures.
POGO Ban Turned into Law
President Ferdinand Marcos, Junior signed a law permanently banning Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators and related support services, penalizing non-compliant corporate leaders. Enterprises must note that displaced illegal entities are shifting underground disguised as legitimate businesses.
Malacañang Extends the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s Tenure, Bangsamoro Parliament Tackles New Redistricting Law
The Bangsamoro interim government's term is extended following the postponement of parliamentary elections. The assembly is urgently deliberating redistricting laws to meet the rescheduled March 2026 election deadline amid signs of internal political division.
Infrastructure Probe Commission Recommends Filing Complaints Against Senators Villanueva, Estrada, Other Officials
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure recommended charges against Senators Joel Villanueva, Jinggoy Estrada, and four former officials over an alleged flood control bribery scheme. However, the public remains skeptical of the outcome due to past overturned corruption convictions.
Where the Philippines Stood In ASEAN, APEC Summits
President Ferdinand Marcos prioritized economic agreements over defense at recent regional summits. Key outcomes include an upgraded trade agreement with China and South Korean investment pledges, though tangible business and security benefits remain to be seen.
Malacañang Calls for Patience as Business Groups and Civil Society Demand Urgent Responses to Infrastructure Corruption Scandal
Philippine business and labor groups demand urgent action and transparency regarding the national infrastructure corruption probe. As protests continue, the administration calls for patience, assuring the public that ongoing investigations will hold involved individuals accountable.
Fire Breaks out at DPWH Building Amid Flood Control Investigation
A fire damaged a government infrastructure building in Quezon City amid ongoing corruption investigations. Although officials report no probe documents were destroyed, authorities are conducting an in-depth investigation into the incident to rule out potential foul play.
A Look Into The House-Approved General Appropriations Bill 2026
The House of Representatives approved the 2026 budget, increasing funds for education, health, and national security while cutting public works amid corruption probes. Disputes over unprogrammed funds threaten to delay final approval, risking a reenacted budget.
President Marcos and Vice President Duterte Record Declining Trust and Approval Ratings in Q3 2025
Trust and approval ratings for President Ferdinand Marcos, Junior and Vice President Sara Duterte both declined due to an ineffective anti-corruption campaign and frequent protests, signaling political risks that local enterprises should monitor.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte to Remain in ICC Detention After Being Ruled as “Flight Risk”
The International Criminal Court denied former President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for temporary release, citing high political influence and witness intimidation risks. He remains in detention indefinitely, anchoring domestic political dynamics that corporate entities should monitor.
PSA Political Stability Updates: Marcos Administration’s Last 3 Years to be Dominated by Political Infighting and Public Discontent
Political infighting and public protests will intensify during the final three years of the administration, though government operations face low risk of systemic destabilization. Enterprises should monitor ongoing political fragmentation and demonstrations for localized operational risks.
AFP Denies Ouster Plots Anew But Acknowledges Discontent Over Flood Control Corruption
Armed Forces of the Philippines General Romeo Brawner Junior stated that retired officers urged the military to withdraw support for President Ferdinand Marcos Junior. The armed forces rejected this intervention, denying ouster plots and reaffirming constitutional order.
Supreme Court Postpones Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections Over “Unconstitutional” Redistricting Law
The Supreme Court postponed the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections after nullifying regional districting laws. While stakeholders respect the decision, political friction regarding further delays introduces localized governance and security uncertainties.
Keeping up with Congress Leaderships: Zaldy Co Resigns from House, While Ping Lacson Takes Senate Accounts Committee
Philippine Congress faces shakeups amid infrastructure corruption investigations. Representative Elizaldy Co resigned citing security threats, as Sarah Elago assumed office. Meanwhile, Senator Panfilo Lacson replaced Senator Loren Legarda to lead the Senate Committee on Accounts.
New Legal Curveball Casts Uncertainty over Bangsamoro October Polls
The Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order on the Bangsamoro district reapportionment, pausing election preparations. Local enterprises should note that while the upcoming polls face legal uncertainty, regionwide election security measures and gun bans remain strictly in force.
ICC Prosecutors Charge Former President Rodrigo Duterte with Three Counts of Murder; Confirmation of Charges Hearing Still Unscheduled
The International Criminal Court published the list of murder charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte over his drug war. The confirmation hearing was postponed due to his reported medical issues, and he remains in indefinite detention while his defense team appeals for release.
‘For the Greater Good’: Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez Resigns as House Speaker, Replaced by ‘Ally’ Isabela Representative Bojie Dy
Martin Romualdez resigned as House Speaker amid an independent probe into infrastructure corruption and was replaced by Faustino Dy Third. Enterprises should monitor this transition as the House maintains a strong majority coalition to advance its legislative agenda and the national budget.
Good Governance or Good Show? A Closer Look Into Recent Flood Control Projects Probe
The Marcos administration established the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to investigate anomalous public works projects. While the probe targets corrupt officials and contractors, it has triggered leadership conflicts and political realignment within both chambers of Congress.
ANALYSIS: Will the “Floodgates” of Corruption Revive Freedom of Information in the Philippines?
Investigations into anomalous flood control projects have renewed calls for a Freedom of Information law to fight corruption. While executive orders mandate partial data access, the lack of formal legislation limits transparency across branches, presenting persistent compliance risks.