Stratbase

26/05/2026

This afternoon, Stratbase Group Founder and CEO Prof. Dindo Manhit had a lunch meeting with Ambassador of the Republic of Korea H.E. Lee Sanghwa at Shangri-La the Fort, BGC. He was joined by Ms. Dana Dinsay, Chief of Staff of the Stratbase Group.

They discussed about Korea-Philippines bilateral relationship reaching its peak following the March state visit of President Lee Jae Myung. They also discussed about the increasing cooperation in the defense sector, Korea's advancements in AI & innovation, and their recent entry into the Luzon Economic Corridor - notable achievements that were pushed under Ambassador Lee’s leadership.

26/05/2026

DILG should standardize permits and costs for digital connectivity efforts

Digital connectivity is an indispensable service for tenants, residents, and other users of public and private buildings. Now that the five-decade-old National Building Code is being reviewed, we appeal to the Department of the Interior and Local Government to also look into permit requirements for digital provisions of these structures and spaces.

Despite the demonstrated need for connectivity in all aspects of living, the government has been looking at it as an added feature – something nice to have – for structures. It is high time that Congress reviewed the outdated code. For their part, telcos have been showing their commitment to greater connectivity in the entire archipelago, not only in prime urban locations.

Unfortunately, these efforts have been met with uneven, inconsistent, and sometimes arbitrary policies from local governments. These unreasonable requirements imposed on broadband internet facilities such as cell towers, antenna systems, and communications equipment have created unnecessary additional costs and delays. These incur unnecessary costs that could have been invested in expanding broadband reach.

Hence, the DILG must act in concert with other agencies in ensuring that realities on the ground match pronouncements to drive the development of a technology-driven economy that’s accessible in all areas of the country.

25/05/2026

This morning, the Stratbase President Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit visited the Systems Engineering and Modernization Office of the Armed Forces of the Philippines upon the invitation of its Chief, MGen. Ivan Papera, for a further discussion on the Philippines’ military modernization efforts. MGen. Papera was joined by his Deputy Chief, Col. Arnold Dy, and Executive Officer, Col. Raquel Vilchez.

Stratbase remains committed to advancing initiatives that support the modernization of the Armed Forces to strengthen the Philippines’ ability to safeguard its territory and uphold its rights in the West Philippine Sea.

25/05/2026

Orlando Oxales, President of Stratbase Research and Intelligence (SRi), writes on his weekly column in The Manila Standard:

“The real measure of national competitiveness lies in whether institutions can deliver efficient infrastructure, affordable energy, coherent industrial policy, and responsive governance at the scale demanded by global investors.

The opportunity is now within reach for the Philippines to transform its strategic geography into a lasting foundation for industrial growth and economic security.

If pursued with consistency and resolve, the country can emerge as a vital hub for resilient supply chains and strategic industries in the Indo-Pacific.”

“The country can emerge as a vital hub for resilient supply chains and strategic industries in the Indo-Pacific” For decades, geopolitical discussions

23/05/2026

Venice Isabelle Rañosa, Research Director of the Stratbase Group, shares her thoughts with Philstar.com:

“ASEAN must continue strengthening partnerships with investors and strategic partners, including the European Union, in areas such as offshore wind, solar, hydroelectric and geothermal energy.

Developing an integrated regional energy supply chain embedded within ASEAN trade agreements would help ensure energy security and sustainability during periods of global instability.”

https://www.philstar.com/news-commentary/2026/05/23/2529994/asean-driving-growth-through-sustainability-and-resilience

This year, the Philippines chairs the 11-member intergovernmental organization Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

23/05/2026

Yesterday, Stratbase Group Founder and CEO Prof. Dindo Manhit, along with the Stratbase team joined by Stratbase Group Chief of Staff Ms. Dana Dinsay and Stratbase Institute Program and Research Manager for Defense and Security Ms. Linar Orbista, conducted a courtesy call to LTGEN Ferdinand Barandon PA, Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Intelligence Command (AIC) at Camp Aguinaldo.

LTGEN Barandon and the AIC team briefed Prof. Manhit and the Stratbase team on the Command. They discussed areas of collaboration between Stratbase and the Command. Prof. Manhit also presented LTGEN Barandon with a copy of the Institute’s new book, “Politika Beyond 2028: The Urgency for Resilient Growth, Inclusive Governance, and Geostrategic Thinking”.

22/05/2026

This morning, Stratbase Group Founder and CEO Prof. Dindo Manhit was invited by LTGEN Arvin Lagamon, Commander of the Civil-Military Operations Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to be the Guest of Honor and Speaker at the Closing Ceremony of the Strategic Civil-Military Operations Officers Online Course at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. The Strategic Civil-Military Operations Officers Online Course was designed to equip AFP officers, from the rank of Major to Colonel, with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to effectively plan, integrate, and implement Civil-Military Operations in support of national security and development objectives.

Prof. Manhit spoke about “The War We Cannot See” and encouraged the program’s graduates to safeguard Philippine democratic institutions against foreign interference and disinformation. He challenged them to fight the digital assault with discipline and resolve, to affirm that the Philippine democracy is strong, and that the Filipino people will prevail in this cognitive war and move the country forward.

Following this, LTGEN Lagamon invited Prof. Manhit and the Stratbase team to a private meeting to brief them on the newly-formed Civil-Military Operations Command. They discussed ways they can work together to help ensure national security in the information space.

21/05/2026

Last Monday, Stratbase Group Founder and CEO Prof. Dindo Manhit was invited to a private dinner meeting with United States Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg during his visit in the Philippines.

Under Secretary Helberg’s visit to the Philippines built on the momentum following the Pax Silica Declaration signing ceremony. During his visit, he visited the proposed site which will host the first industrial hub under the Pax Silica initiative. The zone demonstrates the real-world possibilities presented by the Pax Silica initiative and is intended to be a first-of-its-kind industrial hub designed to surge production of inputs vital to global supply chains and to provide a significant contribution to advancing the vision of the Luzon Economic Corridor.

Stratbase continues to advocate and support initiatives of like-minded partners who wish to work with the Philippines in not only protecting our national security but also with those who are promoting economic security.

20/05/2026

Prof. Dindo Manhit, Founder and CEO of the Stratbase Group, writes on "Thinking Beyond Politics", a BusinessWorld opinion column:

“As the Philippines approaches the 10th anniversary of the landmark 2016 arbitral ruling amid an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific region, credible deterrence will depend on its ability to secure all domains — not only those visible above the surface, but also those hidden beneath it.

It is here that the necessity of collaborating with like-minded nations becomes paramount. We have too many competing priorities and remain constrained by financial and technical limitations. It is reassuring that our military leadership remains fully aware of these evolving threats and is mindful of the need for constant retooling and modernization.”

Rethinking deterrence beyond land, sea, and air https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2026/05/20/750660/rethinking-deterrence-beyond-land-sea-and-air/

20/05/2026

Prof. Dindo Manhit, Founder and CEO of the Stratbase Group, writes on "Thinking Beyond Politics", a BusinessWorld opinion column:

“As the Philippines approaches the 10th anniversary of the landmark 2016 arbitral ruling amid an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific region, credible deterrence will depend on its ability to secure all domains — not only those visible above the surface, but also those hidden beneath it.

It is here that the necessity of collaborating with like-minded nations becomes paramount. We have too many competing priorities and remain constrained by financial and technical limitations. It is reassuring that our military leadership remains fully aware of these evolving threats and is mindful of the need for constant retooling and modernization.”

Defense security used to be immensely simpler. In the past, it meant protecting a country’s territorial integrity across land, air, and sea. Depending on the domain, the Philippine Army, the Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine Marines had clearly delineated roles. But times are rapidly evolvi...

18/05/2026

Orlando Oxales, President of Stratbase Research and Intelligence (SRi), writes on his weekly column in The Manila Standard:

“Ten years after the Arbitral Award, the Philippines stands at a strategic inflection point. The challenge before the country is no longer simply asserting maritime rights, but ensuring that legal legitimacy is reinforced by credible capability, institutional resilience, and strategic partnerships.”

“The Philippines must modernize not only to defend territory, but also to operate effectively within the increasingly interconnected battlespace” As the