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 5: 2025 in review
For our last podcast episode for the year, we are joined again by our resident columnists, Ret. Col. Dencio Acop, and veteran defense reporter Rodney Jaleco to discuss some key highlights in Philippine politics and the recently-released National Security Strategy.
Editor’s Picks
REGIONAL TOP STORY
The deals they didn’t announce: Inside India and Russia’s new strategic silence
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded their long-awaited New Delhi summit without the major defense announcements many had expected.
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
On Taiwan and the Philippines: Lessons from World War II
Unlike in the Second World War, forces that may attack the Philippines in case of a Taiwanese invasion will not be coming from “Formosa” but the Spratly Islands west of Palawan. China has built a military base there capable of the mission.
The 2025 US NSS is a Contradiction in Terms
Contradictions! That’s what the 2025 U.S. National Security Strategy document illustrates. While the Trump administration makes itself look like a champion for peace, its actions in the Caribbean reveal it as a bully.
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.
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.