Stratbase

Prof. Dindo Manhit, Founder and CEO of the Stratbase Group, writes on "Thinking Beyond Politics", a BusinessWorld opinion column:

“We know too well that independence is not an absolute, terminal state. Even though it has been achieved, there is no guarantee that it will not be threatened or cannot be lost again. Often, once the euphoria over its achievement subsides, the constant threats against that precious independence show themselves in ways that are either insidious or menacing. Thus, preserving independence is now a duty that belongs to the current generation who must do everything they can to protect it.

This resonates loud and clear today, given what the Philippines is facing in the West Philippine Sea. China, our giant neighbor to the West, has been unrelenting in its aggressive acts, making a mockery of international law and, in fact, basic decency, in the conduct of its affairs against us.”

The challenging dynamics of our Independence https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2024/06/12/601071/the-challenging-dynamics-of-our-independence/

Prof. Dindo Manhit, Founder and CEO of the Stratbase Group, writes on "Thinking Beyond Politics", a BusinessWorld opinion column:

“We know too well that independence is not an absolute, terminal state. Even though it has been achieved, there is no guarantee that it will not be threatened or cannot be lost again. Often, once the euphoria over its achievement subsides, the constant threats against that precious independence show themselves in ways that are either insidious or menacing. Thus, preserving independence is now a duty that belongs to the current generation who must do everything they can to protect it.

This resonates loud and clear today, given what the Philippines is facing in the West Philippine Sea. China, our giant neighbor to the West, has been unrelenting in its aggressive acts, making a mockery of international law and, in fact, basic decency, in the conduct of its affairs against us.”

The challenging dynamics of our Independence - BusinessWorld Online Today’s commemoration of Independence Day will no doubt be the occasion of a recounting of our forebears’ valiant efforts to gain freedom at various points in our history. There will be a retelling of the measures, big and small, that they took to assert our independence and champion the welfare...

Orlando Oxales, President of Stratbase Research and Intelligence (SRi), writes on his weekly column in The Manila Standard:

"The use of illegal signal boosters is a bad quick-fix attempt to solve a complex problem.

It underscores the importance of adhering to regulated solutions and working collaboratively with telecom providers to ensure a stable and reliable mobile network for everyone.

The long-term solution I have featured many times in this column is for government to aggressively invest in upgrading and expanding the nation’s digital infrastructure in synergy with telcos to meet the surging demand for faster and reliable connectivity that the economy needs to sustainably move forward."

The bane of illegal signal boosters https://manilastandard.net/opinion/columns/open-thoughts-by-orlando-oxales/314457140/the-bane-of-illegal-signal-boosters.html

Orlando Oxales, President of Stratbase Research and Intelligence (SRi), writes on his weekly column in The Manila Standard:

“The use of illegal signal boosters is a bad quick-fix attempt to solve a complex problem.

It underscores the importance of adhering to regulated solutions and working collaboratively with telecom providers to ensure a stable and reliable mobile network for everyone.”

The bane of illegal signal boosters - Manila Standard “The rampant unauthorized use of illegal signal boosters has led to widespread network interference, affecting millions of users” Illegal signal boosters, also known as repeaters, have become a pervasive issue in the Philippines, causing significant disruptions to cellular services nationwide. T...

RP Manhit, COO of The Stratbase Group and Executive Director of the Philippine Trade Foundation, writes on Philstar.com:

“Genuine partnerships such as the VCT are founded on mutual interests and commitment. A good thing is happening in Iloilo, but those who will benefit from it are not confined to one geographical area. This is just one story, and the possibilities for other PPPs are many.”

A premier gateway for Western Visayas https://www.philstar.com/news-commentary/2024/06/08/2361337/premier-gateway-western-visayas

RP Manhit, COO of The Stratbase Group and Executive Director of the Philippine Trade Foundation, writes on Philstar.com:

“Genuine partnerships such as the VCT are founded on mutual interests and commitment. A good thing is happening in Iloilo, but those who will benefit from it are not confined to one geographical area. This is just one story, and the possibilities for other PPPs are many.”

A premier gateway for Western Visayas These infrastructure projects form a central, crucial part of our economic agenda because of the multiplier effects they bring.

Maritime experts are pushing for the enhancement of maritime and economic security for the country through stronger partnerships with like-minded states to navigate rising tensions caused by China in the West Philippine Sea.

Such strategy was discussed during a forum led by international think tank Stratbase ADR Institute in partnership with the Embassy of Australia in the Philippines titled “Forging Bonds: Exploring the Nexus Between Maritime Security and Economic Security" in Makati City on Thursday.

Experts: Strategic partnership to bolster maritime, economic security amid China’s expansion Maritime experts are pushing for the enhancement of maritime and economic security for the country through stronger partnerships with like-minded states to navigate rising tensions caused by China in the West Philippine Sea.

At the Stratbase forum, retired Rear Admiral Rommel Jude Ong said: “Honestly, the Philippines is an outlier within ASEAN. We are a discordant voice among all our member states. And if this is the case, then, instead of harping on ASEAN centrality, we need to look at the centrality of Philippine interests over other interests.”

Philippines should extend alliances beyond ASEAN, says retired admiral The country should look at forming more alliances outside of Southeast Asia to focus on its interest...

A large majority of Filipinos continue to distrust China as its aggression escalates in the West Philippine Sea, according to a survey conducted by the OCTA Research group.

The March 11 to 14 survey released yesterday showed that 91 percent of the respondents distrust China, almost similar to the 90 percent obtained in a similar survey in December 2023.

Poll: 91 percent of Pinoys distrust China A large majority of Filipinos continue to distrust China as its aggression escalates in the West Philippine Sea, according to a survey conducted by the OCTA Research group.

Diwa Guinigundo, Former Deputy Governor of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, writes on his weekly column in BusinessWorld:

"Higher power rates, according to Nomura’s recent report — aside from poor infrastructure and prohibitive transport and logistics costs — have been driving investors away from the Philippines and Indonesia despite their spectacular growth performance and demographic advantages. For ordinary consumers, the news about another possible increase in power charges is not exactly inspiring confidence because they stand to shoulder some P15.77 billion in higher power generation over the next three years.

We know the drill and we know the consequences. It’s next to imagining things to aspire for high growth and low inflation when we pay more for prolonged darkness and heat during a power outage."

Avoiding power outages, sustaining growth - BusinessWorld Online Not too long after the BusinessWorld Economic Forum with the theme “PH NEXT: Growth Drivers” on May 22 and the Philippine Republic’s Economic Briefing with the heading “PH On-the-Go: Fast Tracking Economic Progress” on May 27, both of which highlighted the importance of sustainable, renewa...

Prof. Dindo Manhit, Founder and CEO of the Stratbase Group, writes on "Thinking Beyond Politics", a BusinessWorld opinion column:

“The Philippines has rejected and condemned this audacious act, but China’s audacity is nothing new. In the past few years and months, China has blatantly ignored the Philippines’ victory over it at the Permanent Court of Ar-bitration. Newspaper headlines have detailed one instance of aggressive behavior after another — a direct affront to Philippine sovereignty and to international law.

The reprehensible acts partake of a maritime nature because they take place in waters that have been established as legitimately the Philippines’. But it is impossible to talk about the West Philippine Sea (WPS) from a purely geopolitical/maritime point of view. All these are also grave threats to the economic order. China’s acts show a blatant disregard for the Philippines’ right to fully harness and maximize the benefits from resources rightfully with-in its Exclusive Economic Zone, as affirmed by international law and the 2016 arbitral ruling.

Our waters hold resources that support and enhance the lives of Filipinos. The WPS, rich in marine biodiversity, serves as a vital fishing ground that is the livelihood of countless Filipinos. It is also believed to contain substantial untapped reserves of oil and natural gas. This is key to achieving energy security and powering the economy in the medium and long term. Finally, the WPS is a critical maritime route, facilitating international trade and commerce.”

Maritime and economic security are intimately linked https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2024/06/05/599509/maritime-and-economic-security-are-intimately-linked/

We believe that the EESG programs can support sustainability if we continue to practice responsible mining. We are committed to doing just that because only through our actions can the EESG become a relevant contributor to national growth and development.

Responsible mining: protect the environment, use renewable energy, look after public welfare The Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) was privileged to participate in the recent conference organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and

The heads of the country’s largest ports operator suggested improvements to the shipment process as members of the Private Sector Advisory Council’s Infrastructure Sector Group (PSAC-ISG). They agreed with Marcos’ suggestion to deploy teams from the Bureau of Customs and the Department of Agriculture 24/7 to ensure the continuous operation of government services related to logistics and supply chains.

Enrique Razon, Christian Gonzalez join Marcos’ meeting with private sector advisers Bilyonaryo Enrique Razon and his nephew, Christian Gonzalez, joined other business leaders and top government officials in Malacañang on Wednesday (June 5) for a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The Stratbase ADR Institute, in partnership with the Embassy of Australia in the Philippines, recently held a conference on the nexus of maritime and economic security. The growing geopolitical and geoeconomic importance of the Indo-Pacific has prompted like-minded states to recalibrate their strategies to become a more active player in the region. This renewed interest is crucial as the region is confronted with asymmetric security challenges.

One of the countries that emerged as a strategic player is the Philippines. Its primary interests lie in the West Philippine Sea which serves as a vital waterway for the country’s maritime security and economic security. Initiatives towards implementing measures to achieve the goal of national security and economic security are hampered by the increasing intensity and regularity of aggressive behavior in the area. While these present risks disrupt the maximization of potential benefits, it also serves as an impetus to enhance collaboration with like-minded partners.

Leveraging relationships with allies, friends, and partners offer a framework for enhanced cooperation in enhancing maritime security and developing the blue economy in the West Philippine Sea. This cooperative approach not only strengthens regional security but also bridges the gap between security and geoeconomic interests, underscoring the Philippines’ commitment to a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

This event gathered key stakeholders in the government, diplomatic community, academe, and media which discussed collaborative ways to ensure maritime security and its potential to boost the development of a sustainable blue economy in the West Philippine Sea.

Prof. Dindo Manhit, Founder and CEO of the Stratbase Group, writes on "Thinking Beyond Politics", a BusinessWorld opinion column:

“The Philippines has rejected and condemned this audacious act, but China’s audacity is nothing new. In the past few years and months, China has blatantly ignored the Philippines’ victory over it at the Permanent Court of Ar-bitration. Newspaper headlines have detailed one instance of aggressive behavior after another — a direct affront to Philippine sovereignty and to international law.

The reprehensible acts partake of a maritime nature because they take place in waters that have been established as legitimately the Philippines’. But it is impossible to talk about the West Philippine Sea (WPS) from a purely geopolitical/maritime point of view. All these are also grave threats to the economic order. China’s acts show a blatant disregard for the Philippines’ right to fully harness and maximize the benefits from resources rightfully with-in its Exclusive Economic Zone, as affirmed by international law and the 2016 arbitral ruling.

Our waters hold resources that support and enhance the lives of Filipinos. The WPS, rich in marine biodiversity, serves as a vital fishing ground that is the livelihood of countless Filipinos. It is also believed to contain substantial untapped reserves of oil and natural gas. This is key to achieving energy security and powering the economy in the medium and long term. Finally, the WPS is a critical maritime route, facilitating international trade and commerce.”

Maritime and economic security are intimately linked - BusinessWorld Online The Chinese recently imposed a unilateral four-month fishing ban in the South China Sea, which includes the West Philippine Sea. The ban started on May 1 and is expected to last until Sept. 16. The Philippines has rejected and condemned this audacious act, but China’s audacity is nothing new. In t...

Independent policy think tank and research organization Stratbase ADR Institute also underscored that maritime security is directly related to upholding a blue economy.

“The Philippines, we all know, is at the receiving end of gray zone tactics, even cyber cooperation. But more than that, something that I want to emphasize is the West Philippine Sea also faces issues affecting its biodiversity and marine resources….The Philippines need to work together with other nations, and today, that's what we're celebrating collectively….we need to defend what is ours, defend what is defined by international as ours. But part of it, national security is economic security,” said Stratbase ADR Institute Professor Dindo Manhit.

Philippine role in 2025 UN Ocean Conference 'significant’, says French envoy In preparation for the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), to be hosted by France in the city of Nice on June 2025, the French Embassy in Manila launched the “Blue Nations - France and the Philippines: Partners for the Oceans,” in Manila on Wednesday.

Prof. Dindo Manhit, Founder and CEO of the Stratbase Group, writes on his regular column in INQUIRER.net:

“The term ‘cybersecurity’ conjures images of rows of sophisticated equipment, a sea of servers, and an army of hackers dressed in hoodies, out to create chaos in the computer systems of governments and enterprises. We have seen this at work in recent months, with various government agencies getting hacked and compromising the data of millions of Filipinos. Further, according to the 2022 Microsoft Digital Defense Report, there was a 74-percent surge in password attacks and a 300-percent rise in phishing attempts and ransomware. Microsoft’s recorded countermeasures purged over 531,000 phishing URLs and over 1,400 malicious accounts, underscoring the magnitude of the risk.

But as technology permeates people’s lives more pervasively every day, cybersecurity has also become an issue when users use their devices to stay connected to their social circles, perform banking errands, and shop for their needs and wants. A March 2024 Pulse Asia survey commissioned by the Stratbase ADR Institute revealed that some 86.75 million Filipinos are now using social media. Whether these users fall victim to scammers, fraudsters, and thieves depends on their awareness of the dangers that lurk online and the caution they adopt to protect themselves.”

Cybersecurity is not just an IT matter https://opinion.inquirer.net/174202/cybersecurity-is-not-just-an-it-matter

Prof. Dindo Manhit, Founder and CEO of the Stratbase Group, writes on his regular column in INQUIRER.net:

“The term ‘cybersecurity’ conjures images of rows of sophisticated equipment, a sea of servers, and an army of hackers dressed in hoodies, out to create chaos in the computer systems of governments and enterprises. We have seen this at work in recent months, with various government agencies getting hacked and compromising the data of millions of Filipinos. Further, according to the 2022 Microsoft Digital Defense Report, there was a 74-percent surge in password attacks and a 300-percent rise in phishing attempts and ransomware. Microsoft’s recorded countermeasures purged over 531,000 phishing URLs and over 1,400 malicious accounts, underscoring the magnitude of the risk.

But as technology permeates people’s lives more pervasively every day, cybersecurity has also become an issue when users use their devices to stay connected to their social circles, perform banking errands, and shop for their needs and wants. A March 2024 Pulse Asia survey commissioned by the Stratbase ADR Institute revealed that some 86.75 million Filipinos are now using social media. Whether these users fall victim to scammers, fraudsters, and thieves depends on their awareness of the dangers that lurk online and the caution they adopt to protect themselves.”

https://opinion.inquirer.net/174202/cybersecurity-is-not-just-an-it-matter/amp

Cybersecurity is not just an IT matter The term “cybersecurity” conjures images of rows of sophisticated equipment, a sea of servers, and an army of hackers dressed in hoodies, out to create chaos in the computer systems of

Conglomerate JG Summit Holdings Inc. expects its capital spending to balloon to over P99 billion this year, higher than the group’s originally allotted budget for 2024, due to additional engine deliveries for budget carrier Cebu Pacific.

JG Summit sets higher capex for 2024

Orlando Oxales, President of Stratbase Research and Intelligence (SRi), writes on his weekly column in The Manila Standard:

“The modernization of the Visayas Container Terminal represents a strategic investment in the economic future of Western Visayas and aligns with the government’s broader economic goals.

By enhancing the region’s maritime trade capabilities, improving connectivity, and unlocking the economic potential of its key industries, the upgraded VCT is expected to drive regional economic growth and development, heralding a new era of prosperity for the Visayas and the nation as a whole.”

Orlando Oxales, President of Stratbase Research and Intelligence (SRi), writes on his weekly column in The Manila Standard:

“The modernization of the Visayas Container Terminal represents a strategic investment in the economic future of Western Visayas and aligns with the government’s broader economic goals.

By enhancing the region’s maritime trade capabilities, improving connectivity, and unlocking the economic potential of its key industries, the upgraded VCT is expected to drive regional economic growth and development, heralding a new era of prosperity for the Visayas and the nation as a whole.”

Catalyst for economic boom in Western Visayas - Manila Standard “The modernization of the Visayas Container Terminal represents a strategic investment in the economic future of Western Visayas” The Visayas Container Terminal in Iloilo City is undergoing a significant transformation under the management of International Container Terminal Services Inc. This m...

The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines Chair and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have solidified their commitment to boost the Philippine mining industry.

Mike Toledo hails partnership with DENR on mining policy reforms Lawyer Mike Toledo announced that the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines has partnered with the Department of Environment and National Resources to push mining policy reforms.

RP Manhit, COO of The Stratbase Group, writes on Philstar.com:

“The commitment of ACCIONA is heartening because it demonstrates that all the talk about investments are not empty aspirations for an economy like the Philippines. Rather, it is a reminder that while certain sectors and industries have much to learn and accomplish, legislative and bureaucratic reform can yield positive outcomes and that an investment-driven economy is not only possible but very doable.”

Intentions to action: Inspiring not just attracting foreign investments https://www.philstar.com/news-commentary/2024/06/01/2359620/intentions-action-inspiring-not-just-attracting-foreign-investments

RP Manhit, COO of The Stratbase Group, writes on Philstar.com:

“The commitment of ACCIONA is heartening because it demonstrates that all the talk about investments are not empty aspirations for an economy like the Philippines. Rather, it is a reminder that while certain sectors and industries have much to learn and accomplish, legislative and bureaucratic reform can yield positive outcomes and that an investment-driven economy is not only possible but very doable.”

Intentions to action: Inspiring not just attracting foreign investments One of the things to be thankful about is that our government leaders do not need any convincing that infrastructure development must be a central part of the economic agenda.

Prof. Dindo Manhit, Founder and CEO of the Stratbase Group, writes on “Thinking Beyond Politics”, a BusinessWorld opinion column:

“It has been an established fact that cervical cancer is preventable and curable. This is the time to make use of collaboration with various firms and organizations that are driven by these collective goals — to improve the quality of life of those living with cervical cancer, to boost the capacity for early detection and treatment, and to eventually eliminate cervical cancer.”

Do more to fight and eliminate cervical cancer - BusinessWorld Online Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among women between 15 and 44 years old in the Philippines. Worse, most cases are only diagnosed in the advanced stage. Global Cancer Statistics reported in 2020 that 4,052 women died out of the 7,897 diagnosed with cervical cancer. In the same yea...

A win for the people, win for the environment

Last year’s release of an executive order giving tax breaks to four wheeled electric vehicles was good intentioned, but excluded the most preferred mode of transportation of the masses. We are thankful that the government has corrected this inadvertence by expanding the coverage of EO12 to two- and three-wheeled vehicles.

Many Filipinos are exploring other transportation options and clean-powered vehicles are one of their options, but the vast majority cannot afford four-wheeled electric vehicles. With the expanded EO, two- and three-wheeled EVs will become more accessible and affordable to the public, and they will be able to respond to their transportation needs while at the same time shifting to cleaner energy sources.

After ensuring a consistent implementation of the tax breaks, the government must now turn its attention to the creation of a countrywide charging network to support a rising shift to electric vehicles.

Indeed, the pursuit of inclusive growth, the fight against climate change, the protection of the environment, and the empowerment of the people with green and affordable personal transportation are synergies that our whole society must vigorously pursue.

MANILA Electric Co. (Meralco) on Monday said it has started seeking bids for 500 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy (RE) capacity to comply with a state requirement.

Meralco eyes bids for 500MW of RE capacity - BusinessWorld Online MANILA Electric Co. (Meralco) on Monday said it has started seeking bids for 500 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy (RE) capacity to comply with a state requirement. In a statement on Monday, the power distributor said the competitive selection process is pursuant to the Energy department’s policy...

Orlando Oxales, President of Stratbase Research and Intelligence (SRi), writes on his weekly column in The Manila Standard:

“A law enforcing the Nutrition Care Process would ensure all patients, regardless of their financial status, will receive adequate nutrition care as a standard protocol towards improving patient outcomes, reduced hospital stays, and lower healthcare costs.”

The imperative of Nutrition in Patient Recovery - Manila Standard “A law enforcing the Nutrition Care Process would ensure all patients…will receive adequate nutrition care as a standard protocol towards improving patient outcomes, reduced hospital stays, and lower healthcare costs” Good nutrition is a fundamental pillar of health and wellbeing. It plays a c...

An international think tank and a consumer advocacy group commended the recent approval of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) to finally include two and three-wheeled electric vehicles (EVs) in government tax incentives under Executive Order 12.

“We welcome the inclusion of e-motorcycles in the list of electric vehicles given temporary import tax breaks to accelerate the shift to green transportation,” according to Victor Andres Manhit, president of Stratbase Institute.

Think tank lauds NEDA decision to include more EVs in tax break - Manila Standard An international think tank and a consumer advocacy group commended the recent approval of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) to finally include two and three-wheeled electric vehicles (EVs) in government tax incentives under Executive Order 12. “We welcome the inclusion of e-motor...