: Super User; Philippines; 21 August 2012; Hits: 1296

Philippine Woes not just a Matter of Luck

IS THE Philippines just unlucky? Or are there more fundamental reasons why the country has long been considered the laggard among South-east Asia’s economies?

: Super User; Philippines; 10 July 2012; Hits: 1395

Cause for Hope in Mindanao

PREDICT a positive outcome to peace talks between the government in Manila and Muslim insurgents in the southern Philippines these days and you may well be accused of over-optimism.

: Super User; Philippines; 05 June 2012; Hits: 1312

Aquino Needs to go Beyond Busting Corruption

“WHEN there is no corruption, there will be no poverty.” This was the enticing slogan that helped sweep Philippine President Benigno Aquino to power in 2010.

: Super User; Philippines; 17 May 2012; Hits: 1510

EARLIER this year, when the Philippine government announced its intention to review mining regulations in an attempt to gain a greater share of mining profits, the move triggered a storm of criticism from industry players.

: Super User; Philippines; 14 March 2012; Hits: 2230

A Dose of Reality for Philippine Euphoria

THERE is a growing sense of euphoria in the Philippines these days that is hard to deny. Such over-optimism needs to be tempered by a dose of reality.

Key Political Risks

President Benigno Aquino has stepped up efforts to lure foreign investors into the country, so far without much success. The country continues to be hobbled by widespread corruption and several long-running insurgencies.

However, the government has had some success in reducing the budget deficit. The president also remains popular with voters.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR:

Extent to which foreign and domestic investors show interest in big ticket infrastructure projects.
Increased spending on the air force and navy to counter Beijing's territorial claims in the disputed Spratly Islands. The issue could become an important point of contention at the East Asia forum in Indonesia in November.
The implementation of the "framework agreement" between Manila and the insurgent Moro Islamic Liberation Front announced in early October. If all goes well, a final peace deal may be signed by 2016.