September 2026 marked a significant moment in Philippine politics, as domestic political maneuvering, fiscal decisions, and international strategic partnerships converged under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. These developments point to efforts to strengthen the administration’s political position ahead of the 2028 elections, alongside deeper integration into U.S.-aligned military and commercial frameworks through initiatives such as the Luzon Economic Corridor.

Prof. Noel Leyco discussed the economic security questions facing the Philippines under Pax Silica at the DEV@WORK Series held on September 24, 2026, at the Asian Institute of Management. Prof. Leyco is President and Chief Economist of CRISP. Prof. Leyco has shared his presentation for readers who would like to explore the topic further. Click the files to download

The Marcos administration’s claims of reform and economic development are increasingly undermined by selective anti-corruption efforts, worsening economic conditions, and the continued repression of communities resisting state and corporate projects. At the same time, its deepening alignment with the United States, particularly amid intensifying great-power competition, further constrains Philippine economic and foreign-policy independence.

After installing Expanded Defense Cooperation Agreements (EDCAs) in nine different sites in the Philippines between 2014 under former President Benigno Aquino III and current President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., both the US and Philippine administrations have drawn flaks from peasant and other progressive organizations particularly in Tarlac province, Central Luzon, in reaction to a new, ambitious project called Pax Silica.

Philippines Socio-Economic and Political Situationer In May 2026, Philippine politics were widely described as entering a period of heightened tension, reflecting deepening fractures within the country’s governing coalition. The once-strategic alignment between the Marcos and Duterte political blocs has increasingly given way to open rivalry as the 2028 national elections draw closer. Both factions have been actively consolidating influence, strengthening political networks

The April 20 – May 8 Balikatan armed exercises between the Philippines and the United States marked a dangerous turning point in the country’s strategic and security landscape. More disturbing was the live firing of a US Tomahawk cruise missile from Tacloban City to a target site in Laur, Nueva Ecija using the Typhon Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile system.