Genocide or mass, indiscriminate killings has been in the forefront of America’s history since the beginning – within the founding of America in the 18th century until today. America’s firing line has sent hundreds of millions of people to their graves. Symbolized by the “eagle”, this culture of impunity based on the so-called “Manifest Destiny” and white supremacy, is not without basis.

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.

Corruption - a grave problem in the government bureaucracy - is borne out of a bigger and more complex issue – malgovernance, which arises from the political elite’s malicious intent or self-aggrandizement. In the Philippines, malgovernance is the protectorate of private family interests.

The US persists in provoking a war with China by toughening its military bases in the Palawan Islands. Defense alliance with America is dragging the Philippines into such provocations – as it already does by hosting US war drills sharpening war capabilities against Washington’s existential enemy. Such acts endanger the Filipino people’s sovereign rights as well as Southeast Asian countries’ resounding voice for peace, stability, and non-interference. This is another issue that may yet metabolize

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 Xi-Trump September summit may have stabilized momentarily their countries’ relationship. But it does not make the Philippine situation any better. The room of competition is big only for the two powers but small for a country like the Philippines to wriggle its way from the main contenders.