The Philippine government is actively positioning the country as a strategic manufacturing hub for Chinese electric vehicle (EV) companies, highlighting strong market growth and favourable investment conditions.
Category: Philippines
South Korea in quest to diversify economic, strategic ties through latest Southeast Asian visits
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s early March diplomatic tour to Southeast Asia included visits to Singapore and the Philippines, signaling South Korea’s strategic push to deepen engagement with countries in the region.
ASEAN raises alarm over energy concern due to Middle East conflict
ASEAN’s foreign ministers have urged diplomatic and peaceful solutions to the escalating crisis in Middle East, warning that the conflict could drive up energy prices, worsen inflation and threaten food security across the region.
Philippines sets date for Bangsamoro elections as clashes displaced thousands
On March 10, the House of Representatives of the Philippines passed a bill to hold legislative elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) during the second week of September 2026.
Philippine government: fuel supply safe amid Middle East tensions
On March 10, the Philippine government assured the public that fuel and essential goods remain sufficiently supplied despite rising global oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Southeast Asia divided in reaction to the Middle East crisis
The US-Israel strikes on Iran, which killed the latter’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his influential aides on February 28, prompted different reactions across Southeast Asia. While geographically distant, Southeast Asian governments stated concerns, expressed with cautious language, economic anxiety, and, in some countries, blunt condemnation.
Philippines confronts alleged Chinese intelligence activity
The Philippines’ National Security Council (NSC) revealed a clandestine Chinese intelligence operations on its territory on March 4.
Southeast Asian states respond to Middle East crisis-driven fuel pressures
Following rising tension between US-Israel and Iran that started on February 28, fuel prices and demand in Southeast Asia have surged. One major factor was the blockade of Hormuz Strait which disrupted the global energy supply-chain through which 13 million barrels of oil per day are transported. There are rising concerns over liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and gasoline rarity.
To anticipate further consequences, some Southeast Asian governments have introduced different measures. Myanmar restricts the use of personal cars as gasoline and diesel are two sources of energy in the country.
Philippine stocks rise as peso weakens after rate cut
On February 21, stocks in Philippines extended gains for a third consecutive session, supported by the recent policy rate cut from the Philippine Central Bank.
Former Philippine President Duterte faces ICC hearing over drugs crackdown
Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte faces a four-day confirmation of charges hearing at the International Criminal Court on February 23 over alleged crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drugs campaign.