The proposal to move the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to the State Department has sparked considerable debate. This article explores the potential advantages and disadvantages of such a move, as well as speculations about ties to various entities. The Pros and Cons of Moving USAID to the State Department Pros Cons Speculations and…
I’m in my 70s and have seen many things and attitudes change. I have lived through several United States Presidents, from Eisenhower to President Trump. In my lifetime, I have never seen nor heard of a President scrutinized over every word he speaks, humiliated by the public, the media, and other politicians to the point…
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently leveraged the U.S. Typhon missile system against China boldly. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made a bold offer to China, proposing to remove the U.S. Typhon missile system from the Philippines if China ceased its aggressive actions in the South China Sea. The U.S. Army installed the Typhon missile…
There is a fear that many USAID programs are being ended. Some may and others may not, but the keyword is frozen until programs are evaluated. Trump’s “America first” attitude emphasizes toughness, seeks concrete benefits from foreign engagements, and centers on hardheaded dealmaking. Below is the mission and the recent reasons for the freeze that…
The United Nations (UN) was established in the aftermath of World War II to maintain international peace and security. The UN Charter, signed on June 26, 1945, and coming into effect on October 24, 1945, set forth the organization’s objectives: to prevent future conflicts, promote human rights, and foster social and economic development. The UN’s…
In a recent conversation, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo underscored the enduring strength of the alliance between their nations. This dialogue highlighted the United States’ unwavering commitment to the Philippines, particularly under the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT). During their discussion, Secretary Rubio emphasized the United States’ “ironclad…
In a significant move aimed at bolstering regional security, Japan has granted 1.6 billion yen ($10.6 million) to the Philippines to enhance its naval capabilities. This financial aid comes in the wake of escalated tensions in the South China Sea, particularly following an incident where the China Coast Guard was reported to have harassed Philippine…
Donald Trump returned to the White House for a second term and wasted no time making significant changes. On his first day back in office, Trump signed a record-breaking number of executive orders and made several high-profile personnel changes. Firings and Replacements Trump has already dismissed several key figures from the previous administration. Among those…
The Philippines has recently accused China of escalating tensions in the South China Sea. A Chinese coast guard ship, “the Monster,” patrolling the disputed Scarborough Shoal, came within 77 nautical miles of the Philippine coastline. The Philippines has described this move as an act of intimidation and an attempt to normalize China’s “illegal presence” in…
FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The Army’s modernization thrust is on track. This is how Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido described the Army’s modernization program that will bolster its shift to territorial defense and will help it fulfill its vital land defense role under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) during a…
