Marcos Jr’s rice populism: Short-term optics, long-term hunger

August 7, 2025

The worsening reliance on imports to contain increases in domestic rice prices is a problem that will persist if the government keeps scrimping on support for rice producers.

Impeachment supports economic development

July 16, 2025

The impeachment trial of VP Sara and holding her accountable for any misuse of confidential funds, bribery and corruption, and threatening violence against other public officials is a pivotal moment with huge implications for economic development.

Trump tariffs: Smaller isn’t always better

July 16, 2025

The Philippines need not passively submit to US-centric trade norms or the demands of the Trump administration.

On Trump tariff hikes: PH subservience is not strategy

July 10, 2025

Subservience isn’t strategy—sovereignty is. A government that charts an independent economic path for the Philippines is long overdue.

Great Cabinet Revamp is a dud

May 25, 2025

There’s no doubt that a revamp of government, governance and the Cabinet is overdue. But the Cabinet revamp can’t just be recycling combined with superficially new names or faces. It should mean new ideas for solving old problems and the political will to act on them.

Election post-mortem: Any hope for the economy?

May 19, 2025

The conversation isn’t about what kind of country we want to build and how, but simply who gets to rule it – leaving the inequitable status quo untouched.

Supporting democracy amid undemocratic PH elections

May 12, 2025

The vote is to show that we believe in something better.

America First, Philippines Last: The art of the bad deal

April 29, 2025

COMMENTARY

It is baffling how the Philippine government can so badly misread the US’s unambiguous “America First” statements and actions as signaling an interest in Philippine development.

Php20 rice, unli lies

April 27, 2025

COMMENTARY

The president is claiming to do something for hungry Filipinos that he promised long ago but hasn’t really done anything about since he took office.