Economy

Battered every year by typhoons and prone to earthquakes, mudslides, floods and volcanic eruptions, the Philippines is more vulnerable to natural disasters than many other countries throughout the world. As such, it is crucial for the country’s economic development to learn to better manage its disaster risks and minimise casualties and...

Good governance and transparency are driving the change in the international perception of the Philippines and the resulting positive economic outlook. To strengthen this agenda we have been strong advocates of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, which will foster government transparency and accountability by allowing the disclosure of public...

With presidential, congressional and local elections all scheduled for next year, 2015 looks set to be a time of heated political debate in the Philippines. Issues such as constitutional reform, good governance and the perennial battle against corruption are likely to dominate discussion, alongside continued disagreements over how best to share the proceeds of economic...

A series of reforms initiated by President Benigno Aquino III in the last few years have pumped spending into infrastructure and opened key industries to outside investors. The reforms prompted a series of upgrades to the Philippines’ credit ratings and echo initiatives taken in the region as it prepares for the inauguration of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015...

I would like to reaffirm the enduring alliance between the Philippines and the US. I thank President Aquino for his partnership and the deeper ties that we have forged. I am especially proud to be here as we remember one of the defining moments of our history, the 70th anniversary of the battle of Leyte during the Second World War and the...