Politics and Policy
235 reports
‘Dead But Not Really Buried’: Senate Archives Impeachment Complaint Against Vice President
The Senate voted to archive the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte after a Supreme Court ruling. This decision exposes friction between legislative chambers over constitutional processes, presenting potential regulatory and political stability risks for enterprises.
Congress Elects its Committee Chairpersons for the 20th Congress
The Duterte power bloc captured 24 Senate committee chairperson positions, cementing its legislative influence. Enterprises should monitor this structural shift as committee leaderships and personal business interests shape policy directions and priority bills.
Sulu Now Part of Regional Administration of Zamboanga Peninsula
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. integrated Sulu into the Zamboanga Peninsula following its exclusion from the Bangsamoro region. Enterprises should monitor the transition as administrative adjustments and overlapping regional police jurisdictions introduce short term operational risks.
ANALYSIS: Highlights of the 2025 State of the Nation Address
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address prioritized socio-economic and public works reviews over industry policy. Enterprises should monitor upcoming 2026 budget deliberations to verify funding allocations for critical energy, infrastructure, and labor development initiatives.
Supreme Court Nullifies Impeachment of Vice President Duterte
The Supreme Court declared Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment proceedings null and void due to a procedural violation. While the decision halts near-term legislative trials, enterprises should watch for potential legal appeals and shifting dynamics ahead of the February 2026 filing window.
Marcos Administration to Submit PHP6.793 Trillion National Budget for 2026
The Marcos administration is set to submit a PHP 6.793 trillion national budget proposal for fiscal year 2026. Enterprises should anticipate thorough legislative scrutiny focused on infrastructure, digitalization, and human capital development.
Updates on National Politics
The executive feud and legal challenges facing Vice President Sara Duterte have altered legislative dynamics and increased civil unrest risks. Enterprises must track the upcoming impeachment proceedings and changing political alliances to mitigate operational and stability risks.
Updates on Policy and Legislation
The 19th Congress closed after passing 25 priority bills, leaving several key measures for refiling in the twentieth Congress. Enterprises should monitor upcoming committee leadership elections and potential budget delays driven by political proceedings.
Philippines Set to Receive 20 Percent Tariff in August, President Marcos Heads to the US for Talks on Economic and Security Cooperation
US President Donald Trump announced a 20 percent general tariff and a 50 percent copper tariff on Philippine imports starting August 1. Enterprises should expect higher costs in export sectors like apparel and monitor coming bilateral talks for potential trade concessions.
President Marcos Appoints New Communications Secretary
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Dave Gomez as the new Presidential Communications Office Secretary, replacing Jay Ruiz. Enterprises should note this high leadership turnover within the administration's primary media and information dissemination agency.
Updates on PH Defense: Lithuania Defense Pact Signed, Incoming Navy Destroyers from Japan, US Supercarrier Visits Manila
The Philippines and Lithuania signed a defense pact focusing on cybersecurity, maritime safety, and counter-hybrid threats. Local enterprises should note this expanding security alliance network, which aims to strengthen national cyber defenses against sophisticated state-sponsored threats.
Manila City Declares Public Health Emergency Over City-Wide Garbage Crisis
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" declared a public health emergency over thousands of tons of uncollected garbage caused by unpaid service contractor debts. Enterprises should expect sanitation risks and potential flooding disruptions while monitoring local public service continuity.
DICT Assistant Secretary Paraiso Appointed as CICC Deputy Executive Director
The DICT appointed Renato Paraiso as the new Cybercrime Investigation Coordinating Center Deputy Executive Director. Enterprises should note this leadership shift as the agency expands its focus on combatting financial fraud and cybersecurity threats.
The Latest on the Cabinet ‘Reshuffling’: 3 Members Are Out, 6 Others Get to Stay
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. accepted 11 senior governance resignations while retaining his core economic team. Medium and large enterprises should monitor key leadership transitions in environments, foreign affairs, and justice agencies to prepare for shifts in regulatory enforcement.
Senate Remands VP Duterte Impeachment Articles, Casting Shadow on Trial’s Future
The Senate voted to remand Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment complaint back to the House, delaying the trial. Enterprises should anticipate prolonged political and regulatory uncertainty as this unprecedented constitutional maneuver complicates the legislative timeline.
Eyes on Senate as Presentation of Vice President Duterte’s Articles of Impeachment is Scheduled Tomorrow
The Senate will convene as an impeachment court for Vice President Sara Duterte amid internal divisions and schedule delays. Enterprises should prepare for prolonged political uncertainty and legislative bottlenecks as the highly contested trial is projected to run for several months.
The Latest on the Cabinet ‘Reshuffling’: 32 Out of 48 Senior Executive Officials Retained, 5 Not Yet Off the Hook
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. accepted 8 executive resignations while retaining his core cabinet. As leadership reshuffling extends to government-owned and controlled corporations, enterprises must monitor incoming transitions for shifts in regulatory enforcement.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front Wins Big in the 2025 Bangsamoro Local Elections
The United Bangsamoro Justice Party secured key local victories, strengthening its prospects for the October parliamentary elections. Enterprises must monitor this political consolidation, which enhances stability and governance predictability across the autonomous region.
Cabinet Reshuffle Hits CHED, Solicitor General; CIDG Nicolas Torre III Appointed New PNP Chief
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reassigned key cabinet posts and appointed Nicolas Torre Third as the new PNP chief. Enterprises should note these transitions in education, legal representation, and law enforcement for potential regulatory and security shifts.
Palace Calls for Cabinet ‘Courtesy Resignations’ in Push to Restructure Government Leadership
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. requested courtesy resignations from his entire cabinet to evaluate performance. While key economic managers were retained to ensure policy continuity, enterprises must track upcoming leadership changes for potential regulatory shifts.
Recommended Reading: Asia in Flux: The U.S., China and the Search for a New Equilibrium
An International Crisis Group report warns that United States and China tensions are driving Indo-Pacific militarization. Philippine enterprises should note risks of unintended escalation as the report urges both nations to end their trade war and reopen diplomacy.
The Duality of Man: Analyzing the Partylist Race of the 2025 Midterm Elections
The Commission on Elections proclaimed the midterm partylist winners, topped by Akbayan and Duterte Youth. Enterprises should monitor these shifting political alignments and underlying public dissatisfaction, which could alter legislative dynamics and policy stability.
Strong Showing for Pro-Duterte Candidates, Liberal Opposition Members in Midterm Elections
Midterm election returns show a competitive Senate split and key local leadership shifts. Enterprises must monitor how these new political alignments affect the legislative agenda and the pending vice presidential impeachment trial, which will shape long-term governance stability.
Former President Duterte’s Legal Team Formally Challenges ICC Jurisdiction
Former President Rodrigo Duterte challenged the International Criminal Court's jurisdiction amid reports of impending arrest warrants for top officials. Enterprises should monitor these developments for potential shifts in political stability and governance predictability.
Philippines Inks Defense Pact with New Zealand and Discusses New Agreements with Japan Amidst a ‘Severe, Deteriorating’ Strategic Environment in the Indo-Pacific
The Philippines signed a visiting forces agreement with New Zealand and advanced defense and trade talks with Japan to counter maritime aggression. Enterprises should monitor expanding security alignments and ongoing trade negotiations to safeguard supply chains from geopolitical risks.
Recommended Reading: Toward deepening Japan-Philippines strategic partnership
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized strengthening defense and economic ties with the Philippines through the Reciprocal Access Agreement. Enterprises should monitor these expanding maritime security alliances aimed at managing regional tensions and ensuring stability.
President Marcos Authorizes Issuance of Digital Nomad Visas for Foreigners Looking for Temporary Stay in Philippines While Working Remotely
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 86 granting Digital Nomad Visas to foreign remote workers. Enterprises should anticipate a potential rise in local theft and robbery incidents targeting the expected influx of foreign nationals.
President Marcos Orders Probe into Alleged Chinese Influence in 2025 Elections
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered an investigation into alleged Chinese electoral interference. Enterprises must prepare for heightened cybersecurity risks, sophisticated disinformation campaigns, and regulatory scrutiny over third party marketing vendors.
President Marcos to Meet Japan Prime Minister and New Zealand Defense Minister to Finalize Defense Agreements
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is finalizing key defense agreements with Japan and New Zealand amid regional security tensions. Enterprises should monitor these expanding security alliances, which aim to strengthen maritime safety and long-term stability.
Vice President Duterte Tops Approval Survey as Allied Senators Gain Ground in New Polls
Vice President Sara Duterte gained the sole majority approval rating as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. saw sharp declines, alongside strong polling for Duterte-backed candidates. Enterprises must monitor these shifting public sentiments for variations in political and policy stability.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Signs Law Turning NEDA into the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. established the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, shifting policy leadership away from the Department of Finance. Enterprises should monitor this transition for changes in economic governance and long-term regulatory priorities.
DICT Undergoes Leadership Transitions With Courtesy Resignations Submitted by Top Officials, Allegedly Including CICC Leadership
The leadership transition and courtesy resignations within the Department of Information and Communications Technology may temporarily disrupt project continuity. Enterprises must monitor these changes for impacts on national cybersecurity operations.
Newly Appointed DICT Secretary Calls for the “Courtesy Resignation” of Executive Officials and Directors of the Agency
The Department of Information and Communications Technology requested courtesy resignations from senior officials for an operational review. Enterprises should anticipate temporary disruptions to national cybersecurity initiatives and digital infrastructure projects.
Duterte Supporters Celebrate Former President’s 80th Birthday with Rallies
Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s 80th birthday saw a large rally in Davao City, but nationwide demonstrations underperformed. Enterprises should note this limited turnout amid the start of local election campaigns, signaling potential limits to the Duterte camp’s mobilizing power.
INC Releases Statement of Support for Former President Duterte
The INC issued a statement supporting former President Rodrigo Duterte and criticizing the administration. Enterprises must monitor potential large-scale protest mobilizations and shifting political alignments that could impact operational continuity.
Recommend Reading: What to expect in the 6 months before Duterte’s ICC pre-trial
The International Criminal Court is investigating former President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, with potential arrest warrants expected by September 2025. Enterprises must monitor ongoing nationwide public protests, which could lead to localized disruptions and security risks.
Former Union Digital Bank CEO Aguda Appointed DICT Secretary
Henry Rhoel Aguda was appointed as the new Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology. Given his extensive banking and technology background, enterprises should monitor his upcoming initiatives to address escalating national cybersecurity threats.
Former President Duterte’s ICC Arrest: Implications for Political Stability, Elections, and Risk in the Philippines
The International Criminal Court arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte on March 11, 2025, heightens national political polarization. Enterprises must prepare for potential localized unrest, election volatility, and subsequent operational disruptions.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte Arrested Under ICC Arrest Warrant
Former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested under an International Criminal Court warrant for crimes against humanity. Enterprises must prepare for heightened political polarization and potential localized unrest by reviewing physical security and operational continuity plans.
LIST: Major Shifts in Cabinet Leadership
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reorganized his Cabinet by replacing the heads of transport, communications, and security. While bureaucratic frameworks ensure policy and operational continuity, enterprises should monitor these leadership transitions for minor institutional shifts.
Senate Releases Proposed Timeline of Vice President Duterte’s Impeachment Trial
The Senate scheduled the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte for July 30, 2025. Leadership emphasized strict adherence to the timeline. Public opinion is divided. The proceedings highlight ongoing political tensions and potential risks to governance and business.
President Marcos Jr. Signs Law Deferring Bangsamoro Elections from May 12 to October 14 this Year
President Ferdinand Marcos Junior signed Republic Act No. 12123 postponing the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections to October 2025. Enterprises should monitor unresolved issues like the exclusion of Sulu province and budget shortfalls that could impact regional security.
IRR for CREATE MORE ACT Released
The Fiscal Incentives Review Board released the Implementing Rules and Regulations for Republic Act No. 12066. It outlines procedures and penalties, while clarifying work-from-home arrangements for Philippine Economic Zone Authority and Board of Investments locators.
Former President Duterte and His ‘Jokes’: Kill Senators in Bomb Attack to Make Room for our Bets
Former President Rodrigo Duterte faces a criminal complaint after suggesting a bomb attack against lawmakers. While national officials face limited direct risk due to tight security, enterprises must monitor potential low-level localized violence from radicalized followers.
Recommended Reading: ‘True mujahideen’: Where the Bangsamoro stands, 6 years in
Six years after the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, incomplete rebel decommissioning and weak infrastructure delay full stability. Enterprises must monitor the upcoming parliamentary elections for potential shifts in regional governance and security.
Vice President Sara Duterte Impeached by House but Senate to Defer Trial Until After SONA; Duterte Camp Files Graft Complaint Against House
The House of Representatives impeached Vice President Sara Duterte, initiating a Senate trial. As political divisions worsen, enterprises must monitor the resulting governance instability, potential policy shifts, and localized destabilization risks across the country.
Congress Passes Law Postponing Bangsamoro Polls to October 2025; Law Now Up for President Marcos’ Approval
Congress ratified a bill postponing the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections from May to October 13. Regional officials support the 5-month delay to amend electoral laws, reapportion seats following the exclusion of Sulu province, and advance regional peace efforts.
Progressive Groups Hold Three Pro-Impeachment Protests on January 31
Three separate political rallies in Metro Manila drew 15,000 total attendees advocating for government accountability. While turnouts underperformed compared to religious events, enterprises should monitor persistent opposition mobilization for potential localized operational disruptions.
NEDA Department Bill Ratified by Bicameral Conference Committee
Congress ratified a bill to elevate the National Economic and Development Authority into the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development. While intended to strengthen socioeconomic planning, critics warn it may conflict with ongoing government right-sizing efforts.
US Secretary Nominees Confirmed: Rubio as Secretary of State, Hegseth as Secretary of Defense
The United States appointed Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. As these officials steward foreign policy and military strategy, enterprises must monitor how this leadership transition impacts Indo-Pacific alliances and regional security.