Politics and Policy
235 reports
Recommended Reading: South Korea Detains Its President, but Crisis Is Far From Over
South Korea's political crisis mirrors the deepening Marcos-Duterte polarization in the Philippines. With Vice President Sara Duterte facing potential impeachment or arrest, enterprises must monitor risks of a tense political standoff and localized unrest.
The 6.326 Trillion 2025 National Budget: Largest Allocations, Vetoed Appropriations, and Controversies
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the PHP 6 trillion national budget. While infrastructure and national defense remain prioritized, deep cuts to health and education may trigger public dissatisfaction. Enterprises should monitor potential fiscal risks.
US President Donald Trump Signs Dozens of Executive Orders on His First Day in Office
The second Trump administration introduces major policy shifts in trade and security. While reshoring causes minor BPO uncertainty, the Philippines remains largely insulated due to trade dynamics, with US maritime and defense commitments remaining firm under Secretary Marco Rubio.
INC Amasses Over 1.5 Million for “Rally of Peace” Amid Tensions Between President, Vice President
The INC gathered over 1.5 million attendees in Manila for a “Rally of Peace” opposing the impeachment of VP Sara Duterte. Enterprises must monitor these massive religious-backed mobilizations, as they risk causing significant operational disruptions.
Vice President Sara Duterte No Longer Part of National Security Council
Executive Order No. 81 removed Vice President Sara Duterte from the National Security Council amid her rift with President Marcos. While this highlights severe political polarization, the military’s explicit loyalty to the chain of command preserves institutional stability for enterprises.
Congress Ratifies PHP 6.35 Trillion Budget for 2025
Congress ratified the PHP 6.352 trillion 2025 national budget, introducing major cuts to the OVP, PhilHealth, and DepEd. While President Marcos aims for a timely signing to avoid a reenacted budget, contentious provisions regarding health and education funding could cause delays.
PAGCOR Revokes POGO Licenses Two Weeks Before Total Ban
The total ban on POGOs via Executive Order No. 74 saw all operational licenses revoked. While localized areas face revenue drops and job displacements, the nationwide economic impact remains minimal at under 0.2% of GDP. Authorities are now focused on countering underground "guerilla" operations.
PSA Outlook: Dispute Between President Marcos Jr., Vice President Sara Duterte
While escalating Marcos-Duterte infighting and assassination threats heighten political volatility, widespread destabilization remains unlikely due to military neutrality. Enterprises should monitor localized, small-scale unrest and reputational risks impacting investor confidence.
ANALYSIS: Business, Religious, and Civil Society Groups Weigh in on the Country’s Political Climate
The executive rift creates reputational risks affecting investor sentiment, though day-to-day governance remains stable. While religious and business groups urge stability, the impending House decision on Vice President Duterte's impeachment will dictate the near-term political landscape.
Recommended Reading: What To Know About Martial Law And The Impeachment Vote Threatening South Korea’s President
South Korea's crisis ended with President Yoon Suk Yeol's 2025 removal and 2026 life sentence. Under President Lee Jae-myung, restored democratic order stabilized governance. However, enterprises must continue monitoring shifts in regional defense and maritime security partnerships.
Vice President Duterte Skips NBI Subpoena Over ‘Kill Threat’ to Marcos Family; Probe Rescheduled on December 11
The National Bureau of Investigation rescheduled Vice President Sara Duterte's hearing to December 11 over assassination threats and security law violations. While an impeachment complaint has been filed, the administration currently lacks the required Senate votes to remove her from office.
Supporters of Vice President Duterte Hold a Weeklong, Peaceful “Prayer Vigil” at EDSA Shrine
A weeklong prayer vigil by supporters of Vice President Sara Duterte at the EDSA Shrine failed to replicate historical mass protests. The unannounced gathering concluded with minimal security risks and negligible business disruption, causing only minor traffic incidents.
Vice President Sara Duterte Openly Threatens to ‘Assassinate’ President Marcos Jr.
Vice President Sara Duterte’s assassination threats against top leaders heighten political tensions but pose zero destabilization or economic disruption risks. Her camp lacks mobilization capability in Metro Manila, and the military remains loyal to the Philippine Constitution.
Navigating Risks of Election-Related Violence in the 2025 Philippine Midterm Polls
Election-related violence is expected to increase in rural areas during the upcoming elections, primarily targeting candidates and journalists. However, these incidents will remain highly targeted and pose minimal safety and security risks to private business operations.
Marcos Administration Reiterates Commitment to Interpol Obligations but Remains Quiet with ICC on Former President Duterte’s Looming Arrest Warrant
The Marcos administration affirmed its obligation to Interpol if it issues a red notice for former President Rodrigo Duterte over International Criminal Court probes. While avoiding direct cooperation, the government could use the international warrant to weaken his political influence.
Local Officials and Stakeholders Make Their Arguments as the Senate Begins Hearings on Postponing the 2025 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections
The Supreme Court ruling excluding Sulu from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region has prompted efforts to defer parliamentary elections. Postponement aims to resolve seat allocations and mitigate election violence, safeguarding the peace process essential for regional business stability.
United States of Donald Trump: Limited Impact on the Philippine Relationship
A second Donald Trump presidency is expected to preserve stable United States and Philippine security ties. Enterprises should prepare for potential trade tariffs, but the business process outsourcing sector faces minimal reshoring risk as bilateral defense relations remain strong.
President Marcos Orders ‘Immediate Ban’ on POGOs and Unlicensed Offshore Gaming in the Philippines, Including Those in Special Economic Zones
Executive Order No. 74 imposes an immediate, total ban on all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators and Internet Gaming Licenses by December 31, 2024. The Department of Justice clarified that the shutdown uniformly applies across all special economic zones without exception.
U.S. 2024 Elections: What It Means for Trade and Defense with the Philippines
The 2024 US presidential election results will have minimal impact on United States and Philippine relations. Strategic commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty remain firm under a bipartisan consensus, while potential changes to global trade policy present manageable negotiation risks.
Recommended Reading: Meet the ‘Obese’ Political Dynasties of the Philippines
An investigative report maps entrenched political dynasties dominating the upcoming elections, linking family control to regional poverty and corruption risks. A new searchable database tracking these domains provides enterprises with vital intelligence for local governance assessments.
Is Another Extension Possible? Senate Files Measure as Bangsamoro Parliament Seeks to Postpone 2025 Parliamentary Polls
The Senate filed a bill to defer the inaugural Bangsamoro parliamentary elections to 2026 after a Supreme Court ruling excluded Sulu from the region. While postponement awaits legislative approval and presidential certification, election preparations remain underway.
Vice President Sara’s Hypothetical Impeachment Trial: Not Enough for a Conviction
The House of Representatives is set to launch impeachment hearings against Vice President Sara Duterte over the alleged misuse of confidential funds. However, an impeachment conviction remains unlikely due to the lack of the required two-thirds majority support within the Senate.
Former President Duterte Appears at Senate Hearing
During a Senate inquiry, former President Rodrigo Duterte admitted to maintaining a death squad and instructing police to provoke suspects. The hearing underscored his enduring political influence, as allied senators offered strong support, contrasting sharply with stricter House scrutiny.
Family is Everything in the 2025 Local Elections
Fierce local elections in Metro Manila, Davao City, and the Bangsamoro region highlight shifting dynastic power and deep political fractures. These contests signal localized governance unpredictability and elevated regulatory risks for commercial enterprises in the Philippines.
Senate’s Investigative Body Set to Create Sub-committee on Drug War Probe
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will form a subcommittee to investigate former President Rodrigo Duterte's anti-drug campaign. This parallel legislative inquiry highlights shifting alliances and deepening political friction, signaling elevated stability risks for commercial enterprises.
Senator Bato Dela Rosa Admits Ignoring Calls from Foreign Contacts Believed to be ICC
Senator Ronald Dela Rosa admitted ignoring International Criminal Court interview requests regarding the previous administration's anti-drug campaign. This expanding scrutiny of prominent political figures signals elevated political stability risks for commercial enterprises.
The Anti-Climactic Pro-Duterte Senate Slate
A weak pro-Duterte slate reflects a consolidation of political power by the Marcos administration. While an administration-dominated legislature stabilizes near-term policy, it highlights persistent long-term governance and political stability risks for commercial enterprises.
Ruling Political Party Announces Alliance with MILF Party for 2025 Midterm and Bangsamoro Parliament Elections
The Marcos-backed PFP formalized a strategic alliance with the UBJP for the regional elections. While aimed at securing long-term peace continuity, this political consolidation provokes sharp backlash from rival clans, elevating short-term security and political stability risks for enterprises.
LIST: Senatorial Candidates for the 2025 National Elections
The 2025 Senate race features a fragmented opposition split between traditional and pro-Duterte factions. A projected pro-administration majority offers enterprises political stability, though senators will likely maintain their traditional legislative independence.
Traditional is the Name of the Game: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Announces Administration’s 2025 Senatorial Slate
President Marcos endorsed a senatorial slate dominated by established politicians with strong personal machineries for the 2025 midterm elections. This reliance on traditional elite networks stabilizes near-term policy execution but highlights persistent governance risks for commercial enterprises.
Recommended Viewing: She Zhijiang: Discarded Chinese Spy or Criminal Mastermind?
The spy allegations against former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo exposed severe national security vulnerabilities regarding foreign infiltration. Following her arrest and deportation, she was convicted of qualified human trafficking in November 2025 and sentenced to life imprisonment.
House Approves PHP6.352-Trillion National Budget Proposal for 2025
The House approved the PHP 6.352 trillion 2025 National Budget, cutting intelligence funds by 16% and slashing the OVP budget to PHP 733 million. The bill now heads to the Senate, where some lawmakers have indicated they will address the fund adjustments out of institutional tradition.
Recommended Reading: Electronic Warfare Spooks Airlines, Pilots and Air-Safety Officials
Electronic warfare via false satellite navigation signals increasingly threatens commercial aviation worldwide. Escalating East Asian geopolitical tensions heighten air traffic disruption risks in the Philippines, posing operational challenges for enterprise business continuity.
House Quadcomm: ICC can Access Congress’ Internal Investigation for its Drug War Probe
The House of Representatives quad committee will allow the ICC access to its drug war probe findings. The intensifying investigation into high profile political figures signals elevated political instability risks for enterprises in the Philippines.
Ombudsman Dismisses Graft Complaints Against Former Senator Leila de Lima
The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed graft and bribery complaints against Former Senator Leila de Lima due to lack of evidence. Her legal clearance and return to politics signal shifting Philippine governance dynamics relevant to corporate risk assessments.
Bangsamoro Leaders Divided Over Sulu Exclusion; COMELEC Commits to Holding 2025 Parliamentary Elections
The Supreme Court has excluded Sulu from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. While regional parliamentary elections will proceed, this landmark decision alters local governance and introduces political and regulatory risks for enterprises in the region.
Sara’s Budget Woes: House Panel Proposes Over PHP 1.2 Billion in Budget Cuts For OVP
The House of Representatives proposed cutting the budget of the Office of the Vice President by over 60 percent following a hearing snub. This deepening political rift between the Marcos and Duterte factions signals elevated political stability risks for commercial enterprises.
Authorities Ramp Up Manhunt for Former Spokesperson Attorney Harry Roque
The House of Representatives cited former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in contempt for withholding financial records linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators. A nationwide search for him signals escalating governance and regulatory risks for commercial enterprises.
Manhunt Ends: Government Forces Apprehend Guo and Quiboloy in Separate Operations
The high-profile arrests of Alice Guo and Apollo Quiboloy signal an escalating crackdown by the Marcos administration against politically connected criminal networks. This intensified enforcement stance highlights shifting regulatory and governance risks crucial for enterprise compliance.
Supreme Court Declares Sulu Not Part of Bangsamoro Region
The Supreme Court has ruled that Sulu is excluded from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. This landmark decision alters regional parliamentary elections and shifts political dynamics, introducing governance and security risks for commercial enterprises in the region.
ANALYSIS: Will the Senate Impeach Vice President Sara Duterte?
A potential impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte faces a difficult battle in the Senate due to key allies blocking the move. This persistent executive-legislative friction signals ongoing political stability and governance risks for enterprises in the Philippines.
Revelations in the QuadComm Hearings Put Duterte, Go, and Dela Rosa in Hot Waters
Testimonies directly implicated Senators Go and Dela Rosa in a systemic reward and quota scheme during the previous administration's drug war. These expanding legislative probes into high-profile lawmakers underscore persistent governance and political stability risks for enterprises.
eTravel System Now Permanent for Travelers to the Philippines
The Philippine government institutionalized the Electronic Travel system (eTravel) as the central platform for border security, health surveillance, and tourism data. This digital centralization alters entry protocols, highlighting regulatory compliance and mobility risks for commercial enterprises.
Administration-backed Parties Gather in Malacañang To ‘Strategize’ For 2025 Midterm Elections
The administration coalition Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas convened to strategize its senatorial slate, excluding Duterte allies. This political consolidation highlights deepening polarization, signaling governance and stability risks for commercial enterprises.
Where is Quiboloy: The Police Raid KOJC Compound in Davao City
The PNP raided the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound in Davao City, triggering violent clashes and highway blockades. This civil unrest near the international airport signals elevated physical security and operational mobility risks for commercial enterprises.
Impeachment Talks Surround VP Duterte; House Strongly Denies Allegations
Vice President Sara Duterte stated lawmakers are discussing an impeachment complaint against her over confidential fund audits. This intensifying executive-legislative friction and eroding political alliances signal elevated governance and stability risks for commercial enterprises.
Former Justice Carpio: ICC Will Likely Issue Arrest Warrant Against Rodrigo Duterte, Other Drug War Personalities by September
The ICC may issue arrest warrants against former President Rodrigo Duterte over his anti-drug campaign. Potential warrant enforcement in Davao City heightens civil unrest and violence risks, signaling operational and physical security challenges for enterprises.
Representative Paolo Duterte, Mans Carpio Implicated in Drug Smuggling Operations
A congressional witness implicated Paolo Duterte, Manases Carpio, and Michael Yang in a 2018 illegal drug seizure during an investigation into online gambling and drug trafficking. This intensifying political rivalry signals escalating regulatory and governance volatility for enterprises.
VP Sara Duterte’s Satisfaction Rating Dip After Resignation, But Still Leads 2028 Presidential Bets Anew
Vice President Sara Duterte's declining satisfaction ratings following her cabinet resignation underscore fracturing political alliances. While she remains a top presidential contender, this shifting alignment elevates long-term governance and stability risks for commercial enterprises.
Philippines Won’t Interfere with Interpol’s Duties Once ICC Orders Investigation – DOJ
The DOJ stated it will not block the International Criminal Police Organization from serving ICC arrest warrants against former police officials. This stance elevates political stability risks for commercial enterprises.