• CONGRESSMAN MARK COJUANGCO PUSHES FOR BATAAN PLANT REVIVAL AMID ENERGY CRISIS

    In a candid interview on Walang Atrasan over DWAR Abante Radyo, Congressman Mark Cojuangco, Chairman of the Special Committee on Nuclear Energy, once again made a strong case for nuclear power as the Philippines faces mounting energy challenges. With oil prices surging due to instability in the Middle East, Cojuangco emphasized that the country’s long-delayed…

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  • COMMENTARY: HERMAN TIU LAUREL WARNS OF “FOREVER WARS” AND THE PHILIPPINES’ VULNERABILITY 

    On my program Walang Atrasan over DWAR Abante Radyo, I discussed with Herman Tiu Laurel—better known as Ka Mentong— the Philippines’ place in today’s volatile geopolitical landscape. What emerged was a sobering reminder: our nation is once again caught in the crossfire of global power struggles. Laurel’s central warning is clear: U.S. military bases in…

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  • US–ISRAEL STRIKES ON IRAN: A BREWING STORM WITH GLOBAL RIPPLES

    The Middle East is once again at the center of global tension. On my DWAR Abante Radio WALANG ATRASAN program, I interviewed defense analyst Prof. Roland Simbulan, Chair of the Center for People’s Empowerment in Governance (CENPEG). He warned that the latest US–Israeli strikes on Iran could spiral into a wider conflict with far-reaching consequences.…

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  • SARA DUTERTE TOPS TRUST RATINGS; MARCOS, SOTTO, AND DY SHOW GAINS IN LATEST SURVEY

    Vice President Sara Duterte continues to lead the nation’s trust ratings, securing 55 percent in the latest February 2026 survey. She also garnered a 48 percent satisfaction rating for her performance as Vice President, underscoring strong public approval as she formally enters the presidential race.  Support for Duterte remains anchored in Mindanao and the Visayas,…

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  • SIMBULAN WARNS OF STRATEGIC REALIGNMENTS AHEAD OF 2028

    By Benjie Alejandro  Abante Radyo – Walang Atrasan Defense analyst and CENPEG chairperson Professor Roland Simbulan has raised concern over the intensifying rhetoric between China and the Philippines, noting that Beijing’s diplomatic posture has shifted from passive defense to a more assertive, offensive approach.  Speaking on Walang Atrasan, Simbulan pointed to the recent controversy surrounding…

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  • COMMENTARY: JAPAN-PHILIPPINES ACSA—ALLIANCE OR UNEASY MEMORY?

    Benjie Alejandro In recent weeks, headlines have focused on the visit of Japan’s Foreign Minister to Manila, culminating in the signing of the Acquisition and Cross‑Servicing Agreement (ACSA between the Philippines and Japan. On paper, the agreement promises deeper cooperation in logistics, training, and disaster response. Yet behind the signatures and smiles lies a heavier…

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  • SUSTAINING MOMENTUM IN EDUCATIONAL REFORM 

    Benjie Alejandro President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s renewed commitment to educational reform, highlighted during the submission of the EDCOM II Final Report, signals both continuity and ambition. The administration’s emphasis on aligning reforms with expert recommendations and launching the National Education and Workforce Development Plan (NatPlan 2026–2035) reflects a desire to institutionalize long-term strategies rather…

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  • DIPLOMACY VS TENSION

    DIPLOMACY VS TENSION

    Benjie Alejandro Amid the continuing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, the issue flared up once again following strong statements from the Chinese Embassy. According to their spokesperson, they are prepared to leave if their ambassador and entire media team are declared persona non grata. They further added that even if the embassy were shut…

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  • “BETTER LATE THAN NEVER.” LET’S HOPE SO. 

    Benjie Alejandro My dear readers, the Department of Agriculture has temporarily suspended the acceptance of new applications for the reclassification of agricultural lands.  At first glance, this seems like good news: it shows that the government is serious about protecting our farmlands. But if we look closer, isn’t it doubtful whether this is truly a…

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  • NATIONAL INTEREST ABOVE ALL

    Benjie Alejandro As the war in Ukraine drags on, Kyiv has been pushing harder to gain entry into ASEAN as a sectoral partner. It is an ambitious move, especially with its stated goal of reaching $5 billion in trade by 2026.  Yet the reality is sobering. Ukraine’s economy is struggling, and its military burden grows…

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