President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stood before Congress for his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) with a clear and urgent message to the world: “The Philippines is ready. Invest in the Filipino.” The line,…
Marcos at midterm: Between ambition and accountability
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) this Monday, marking the midpoint of his six-year term. As the administration moves into its latter half, expectations remain high—but so…
Broken promises? Philippines gets less than 3% of…
Despite being the top recipient of China’s aid commitments in Southeast Asia, the Philippines saw only a fraction of the $30.5 billion Beijing pledged between 2015 and 2023, as political rifts, derailed projects, and maritime…
Out-tariffed, not outplayed: Why the Philippines shouldn’t fold…
When news broke that Philippine exports would face a 19% tariff entering the United States—while American goods would enter the Philippines tariff-free—it was met with understandable frustration. Social media buzzed with disbelief: "Bakit ganun? Lugi…
Philippine business leaders push 20 economic bills ahead…
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) on Tuesday urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize 20 key legislative measures in his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA), highlighting reforms aimed at digital…
All eyes on the 4th SONA: Will PBBM…
It opened with familiar rhetoric — and ended with a war on vice. But the most consequential line in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) wasn’t about inflation, infrastructure, or…
A Silk Road revival in a cup of…
In the oasis city of Kashgar, once a vital crossroads of the ancient Silk Road, history is not confined to ruins—it breathes through alleyways, fragrances, and stories of new encounters. Located at the edge of…
Philippines wants to lead in blockchain—but few Filipinos…
In a country where 96% of people say they know what cryptocurrency is, only 28% understand Web3. That tension—between headline-grabbing adoption and limited understanding—sits at the heart of the Philippine Blockchain Industry Report 2025, a…
The tax that levels the field—so why are…
For once, the tax system favors the many over the few. The flat 20% levy on interest income, introduced under the Capital Market Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA), doesn’t punish savers—it puts an end to years…
Trading blows: The tariff war that’s hitting the…
For years, global trade was the default engine of growth. But as we pass the midpoint of 2025, it’s sputtering badly—and not because of any natural cooling. This slowdown is man-made, self-inflicted, and increasingly perilous.…