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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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Every January, the streets of Manila transform into a sea of humanity. Millions of devotees, barefoot and determined, surge forward in the annual Traslacion of the Black Nazarene. To outsiders, it may appear as chaos—crowds pressing against each other, handkerchiefs reaching out to touch the image, chants of “Viva Señor Nazareno!” echoing through the air.…
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The recently released 2025 End-of-the-Year Survey delivers a sobering message: trust in the nation’s key institutions is eroding at an alarming pace. The Senate’s approval rating has slipped from 28% to 24%, while the House of Representatives stagnates at a dismal 20%. These figures are not mere statistics; they are a blunt declaration from the…
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When Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. forces, Venezuela’s political stage shifted dramatically. Into the spotlight stepped Delcy Eloína Rodríguez, the country’s vice president and oil minister, now declared acting president. Known as the “tsarina” for her commanding presence and influence, Rodríguez embodies both continuity and change in Venezuela’s turbulent political landscape. A Political Powerhouse…
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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. closes 2025 with bold declarations of reform, anti-corruption, and disaster resilience. Yet behind the sweeping announcements lies a familiar tension: the gap between rhetoric and implementation, between promises of accountability and the entrenched realities of Philippine governance. Anti-Corruption Drive: Historic or Hollow? Marcos’ crackdown on anomalous flood control projects—punctuated by…
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Malacañang has hailed the Marcos administration’s success in bringing inflation down to 1.6% from January to November 2025, a sharp drop from 3.4% in 2024. Officials say the slowdown reflects decisive government action to stabilize prices and protect household purchasing power, particularly for rice. Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto explained that lower inflation means Filipinos…
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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration has kept inflation at bay and steered the economy on a strong growth path this year, protecting the poorest Filipino families from rising costs of living. Data from the Office of the Executive Secretary showed inflation dropped to just 1.6% from January to November 2025, more than half the…
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The Bench Files 