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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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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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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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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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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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The Bench Files 