South East Asia (SEA)

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has strongly denounced China's "dangerous" and "unlawful" behavior in the South China Sea , specifically highlighting incidents of harassment against Philippine vessels and fishermen. Speaking at a security forum in Hawaii, Marcos expressed concern over China's coast guard and maritime militia vessels, emphasizing the need to prevent further escalation in tensions in the region. During the forum, Marcos recounted a recent incident where a Chinese coast guard ship fired a water cannon at a Philippine vessel on a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, a reef claimed by Manila as part of its exclusive economic zone. He also criticized China's illegal fishing activities and the militarization of reclaimed features in the West Philippine Sea, underscoring the Philippines' commitment to defending its territorial integrity. President Marcos's remarks followed his visit to the US Indo-Pacific Command, where discussi...

In a bold and polarizing move, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr . of the Philippines has decided to erase a significant page of his nation's history by eliminating a public holiday that had once commemorated the People Power Revolution—the event that ended his father's authoritarian regime. The decision has ignited fierce debates across the Philippine archipelago and beyond, with many fearing an attempt to rewrite the history of the Marcos family's rule. The history of the Philippines is inextricably linked with the legacy of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., a towering figure who held sway over the nation for over two decades. His rule was characterized by the implementation of martial law, political repression, and allegations of widespread corruption. However, this era came to a dramatic close with the People Power Revolution of February 1986, an event that galvanized hundreds of thousands of Filipinos who took to the streets, demanding change and justice. The fervent pursuit of democr...

In a determined effort to improve the efficiency and responsiveness of critical government services, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has embarked on a strategic reorganization aimed at implementing stringent reforms. On a significant Tuesday, President Marcos Jr. made it official by signing Executive Order (EO) 38, ushering in a transformation of the Strategic Action and Response (STAR) Office and placing it under the purview of the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES). EO 38 designates the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for General Administration (ODESGA) with the authority for the supervision and control of the STAR Office and its affiliated offices. This reorganization marks the abolition of the Cabinet Undersecretary position within the STAR Office, with its replacement being an Assistant Secretary who will directly report to the DESGA. The role of the Assistant Secretary is pivotal, and the position will be fortified by two Director IVs. Each Director IV will assum...