PHL
Stories (5)
Marcos' Japan state visit
Summary: - The upcoming state visit of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Japan centers on two main priorities: security cooperation with Japan amid regional coercion and gray-zone tactics, and energy security amid a global energy crisis. - Marcos emphasizes expanding bilateral and multilateral security ties, noting Japan’s evolving regional posture and ongoing defense collaborations, including the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement and the Japan Self-Defense
2026-05-24View from Manila
Summary: - The Marcos Jr. administration kicked off a Cabinet shakeup, starting with Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Enrique Manalo, who will move to United Nations duties as ambassador. Undersecretary Maria Theresa Lazaro will replace him on July 31, with Lazaro also handling ASEAN affairs. - The reshuffle signals potential continuity in foreign policy, as Lazaro has long been involved in key Southeast Asia diplomacy, including South China Sea discussions and Ayungin Shoal res
2026-05-24Marcos' Japan Visit: A New Era in Defense
Philippines–Japan relations are entering a new strategic era. Marcos Jr.’s May 26–29 state visit to Tokyo reinforces a long-standing bilateral partnership (70 years of diplomatic ties) amid Japan’s broader security and defense shift. Key implications include: - Enhanced defense cooperation: post-RAA and ACSA frameworks enable closer military collaboration, joint exercises, and reciprocal support between the Philippine military and Japan Self-Defense Forces. - Defense modern
2026-05-24Marcos Unveils LEAD-SAIL-RISE at ASEAN 2026
Summary: - The Philippines, as ASEAN Chair for 2026, unveils the LEAD-SAIL-RISE Framework to unify ASEAN’s three pillars (Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural) into a cohesive strategy aimed at resilience, innovation, and people-centered growth. - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasizes navigating global instability’s ripple effects on energy, food security, supply chains, and livelihoods, urging concrete actions to strengthen institutions and implement existing
2026-05-24Marcos at the UN
Summary: - The Philippines is actively lobbying for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027–2028, with a high-profile push during a New York visit ahead of June 2026 voting. - Manila frames the bid as essential for giving the Philippines a voice on global safety, security, sovereignty, maritime security, the global economy, and protection of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). - The campaign emphasizes support for international law and the rules-based order, ev
2026-05-24