Jeoffrey Maitem
Languages Spoken:
English
Manila plans to use drones as force multipliers, but analysts warn building a credible deterrence network will require multi-year investment.
Despite increased drills between the two allies, there are concerns that Washington’s aversion to conflict could weaken its commitment.
The push by several Philippine lawmakers is to counter what they say are efforts to support pro-Beijing positions over the maritime row.
The case of Maxipro president Lawrence Ke Sy underscores a shift in how Philippine authorities approach national security, analysts say.
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Manila likes the look of Kyiv’s low-cost drones, but adapting battlefield tech to grey-zone sea stand-offs won’t be easy.
Manila has to offer tech professionals competitive salaries and a good career path without the administrative burden, analysts warn.
The plan to establish coastal defence assets in Palawan is unlikely to close the country’s military gap with China, analysts say.
Having dedicated satellites is ‘something that makes sense’ as it would give the military more control over its territory, experts say.
For weeks, Ferdinand Marcos Jnr said nothing about the sanctions on Gilberto Teodoro. Then, on a work trip to Vancouver, he finally did.
Manila is spending billions to transform its underfunded air arm into a maritime shield against Beijing.
The latest deal sheds light on distinct strategies in a broader American policy of ‘distributed deterrence’, analysts say.
Analysts say the near-simultaneous exercises reflect a shift in US strategy that enables allies to play a greater role in regional security.
The community is drawing attention partly due to the South China Sea row and spying cases involving Chinese nationals in the Philippines.
The underwater drones could enhance Manila’s capability to record Beijing’s intrusion in its waters, analysts say.
As politicians stall on updating a 50-year-old building code, experts warn the devastation in Mindanao is just a preview of a worse disaster.
By making undersea cables and fisheries the issue, analysts say Manila is trying to give all Asean members ‘skin in the game’.
The visit comes amid expanded military ties with the US but is unlikely to signal a shift in Philippine foreign policy, analysts say.
Limited evacuation routes in densely populated Metro Manila would make rapid, orderly evacuation a major challenge, disaster planners warn.
A net satisfaction rating of minus 15 marks the worst showing of Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s presidency so far.
The vice-president’s calls to ‘defend sovereignty’ are an attempt to please voters at home while not alienating Beijing, experts say.
Manila’s military already operates superior weapons, but analysts say Tokyo’s Cold War-era hardware still has something to offer.
The trend in defence is for civilian infrastructure that can be rapidly adapted for military use during contingencies, experts say.
Analysts say this year’s drills, which stress tested a new generation of mobile strike capabilities, were a pointed display of resolve.
The facility in Davao signals that defence ties are now focusing on sustainment, endurance and operational continuity, analysts say.
However, some analysts say that if both sides can agree on equitable oil and gas production, Filipinos could benefit from lower prices.
The Philippines has long been the closest US ally in Asia. Now Washington wants something more: a place to make bullets and shells.
The Iran war has underscored the need for robust air systems and Manila should look to build a layered defence architecture, experts say.
South Korea couldn’t stop the pull-out. Now, Manila must figure out if it is indeed a strategic partner or just another supply depot.
Indonesia wants to project power. The Philippines wants to deny it. In the South China Sea, one approach may matter more than the other.
