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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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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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By Benjie Alejandro Fellow readers, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently joked after being hospitalized, saying: “Rumors of my death are highly exaggerated.” Lighthearted as the remark may be, the message is clear: even the President gets tired, falls ill, and needs rest. Humanity does not exempt anyone, not even those in the highest office of
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A pressing question now looms over the issue of smuggling: How can we truly stamp out illegal trade when high-ranking government officials—particularly within the security forces—are the very ones shielding it? Is it not a grave insult to the public that those entrusted with our safety have instead become guardians of smugglers? If reports are
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The discourse over the South China Sea has flared up once again with the exchange of statements between ML Partylist Rep. Leila de Lima and the Chinese Embassy in Manila. De Lima firmly insists on asserting the Philippines’ rights under international law, while the embassy reiterates its claim of historic sovereignty. This kind of exchange
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My conversation with Dr. Chester Cabalza on WALANG ATRASAN over DWAR ABANTE RADYO offers a sobering reminder: the world order we once knew is unraveling. What he calls “fragmented globalization” is no longer a theory—it is the reality shaping our headlines, our alliances, and even the fate of overseas Filipinos. The New Chessboard of Power
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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has arrived in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), for a working visit that underscores Manila’s commitment to deepen ties with Abu Dhabi in trade, defense, and sustainable development. The visit, undertaken upon the invitation of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, marks their second meeting
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From Caracas to Tehran: A New Era of U.S. Muscle The dramatic capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces in early January 2026 sent shockwaves across Latin America. Days later, Iran erupted in nationwide protests, with Washington openly weighing military options against Tehran. These moves mark a bold, unilateral streak in U.S. foreign
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As the Philippines prepares to assume the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026, the stakes could not be higher. In a wide-ranging interview with Professor Roland Simbulan, a respected security analyst, the conversation revealed both the opportunities and challenges facing the country as it steps into a pivotal regional role.
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On December 29, I interviewed security expert Prof. Rommel Banlaoi on my radio program WALANG ATRASAN over DWAR‑Abante Radyo to discuss two pressing issues: the lingering shadow of terrorism in the Philippines and the evolving dynamics of Philippine–China relations in the West Philippine Sea. Terrorism and the Bondi Beach Connection Prof. Banlaoi clarified recent reports
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The Bench Files 