Weekly Digest
PHILIPPINE OUTLOOK
March 11, 2025 Philippine Outlook
The Air Force lifts administrative grounding of FA-50 aircrafts. Philippines hosts top army meeting of CORE 4 nations. Latest BRP Sierra Madre resupply mission a success.
REGIONAL UPDATE
Regional Update | July 15, 2025
Italian aerospace company will be providing Philippine Navy with naval helicopters, meanwhile Japan has recently completed a flight test of a hybrid-powered unmannned aerial vehicle. US and India deepen their defense cooperation as India seeks to procure US F-35s.
Marcos raises soldiers’ pay by 15 percent
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered to raise the salaries of the 470,000 uniformed personnel by 15 percent in the next three years, in a move widely seen as courting soldiers’ support amid rumors of destabilization attempts.
The last salary increase was seven years ago, during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte
PODCAST
Episode 4: Task Force Philippines and America’s new movements in the Asia-Pacific Region
In the fourth episode of API Podcast, we meet again with our resident columnist veteran journalist Rodney Jaleco to discuss the latest developments in defense ties between the Philippines and the United States of America.
Editor’s Picks
REGIONAL TOP STORY
India activates advanced fighter-capable airbase close to a contested border with China
Perched at an altitude of around 13,000 feet, Nyoma is among the highest fighter-capable airbases in the world. Its location allows India to rapidly deploy troops, equipment, and combat aircraft to sensitive flashpoints such as Pangong Tso, Chushul, and Depsang, areas that witnessed major stand-offs with China in recent years.
PHILIPPINES TOP STORY
Sandiganbayan orders arrest of former congressman tagged in flood control corruption
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the court’s issuance of an arrest warrant against Co, government engineers, and officials of a construction company linked to the lawmaker.
Opinion
Why does the Air Force need a dedicated fighter trainer aircraft?
What’s the use of acquiring an F-16 Viper or a JAS-39 Gripen when no Filipino fighter pilot can fly the aircraft? It is imperative for the Air Force to acquire first a jet trainer but it has no funds under the revised modernization program.
Strengthening the US’ first-island-chain
Now that China had built man-made islands in the South China Sea, the US has also been hardening its own first island chain, reorganizing its Marine Expeditionary Forces in the Pacific to form littoral regiments and deploy them in strategic chokepoints in the region.
Understanding the Current Threats, De-escalations, and National Interests In-Between
It is reassuring to be reading about de-escalations in Gaza and perhaps even in Ukraine that could lead to peace finally after four years of war with Russia.
Latest Stories
Former DPWH secretary quits infrastructure commission
A former public works and highway secretary, Rogelio Singson, has resigned effective December 15 but “could be extended” until December 31.
Reshaping China’s image through education
A school in the capital opened an academic center that will promote better understanding of China at a time of rising tensions in disputed areas in the South China Sea.
Marcos raises soldiers’ pay by 15 percent
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered to raise the salaries of the 470,000 uniformed personnel by 15 percent in the next three years, in a move widely seen as courting soldiers’ support amid rumors of destabilization attempts.
The last salary increase was seven years ago, during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte
Featured Stories
Character Leadership Matters: West Point and My Leadership Journey
I once saw a picturesque book on West Point before applying for the Philippine Military Academy but never did I dream about being in that picture!
Newly-Established Chinese AI Data Center in Pasig a Suspected Spying Hub
To put it bluntly, the enemy can spy and sabotage local business and critical infrastructure. They can use the hub to inject multiple AI agents.
The New Vicar of Christ: God’s Messenger of Peace
In sum, the Vicar of Christ is not here to rule the world as Herod and the powers of the secular world and preternatural order would have as believe.