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South China Morning Post
29-05-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Philippine navy adds new bases in Subic Bay, Mindanao amid South China Sea tensions
The Philippine Navy is set to open a series of naval bases as it bolsters its modernisation efforts, with one of the facilities near a former American military stronghold raising the potential of further sites added to those under an existing deal allowing US forces to train on Philippine soil. Advertisement Observers also note that the plan showcases Manila's willingness to expand the defence reach of its navy amid increasingly volatile territorial rows in the South China Sea , as well as reduce reliance on South Korean shipbuilders by developing local shipyards. President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr confirmed at the Navy's 127th anniversary ceremony on Tuesday that his government was 'investing in responsive and up-to-date assets and systems to ensure that our navy remains a formidable force in the region'. The move is seen as part of the Philippine Armed Forces' modernisation programme. It is currently in its Horizon 3 phase, which started last year and will last for another 10 years. Marcos said they would soon be breaking ground at Naval Station Nabasan, an existing wharf located near the mouth of Subic Bay. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr (centre) waves from a newly built warship at Subic naval base on May 20. Photo: Kyodo
South China Morning Post
26-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Now or never? Philippine's Marcos calls to fast track South China Sea code amid scepticism
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr has called on Southeast Asian leaders to fast track a long-delayed code of conduct for the South China Sea – but analysts at a recent maritime forum in Manila believe the agreement is more likely a decade away, if it happens at all. Speaking at the 46th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, Marcos said: 'We underscore the urgent need to accelerate the adoption of a legally binding code of conduct in the South China Sea. This is to safeguard maritime rights, promote stability, and prevent miscalculations at sea.' The code of conduct – under negotiation since 2002 between Asean and China – aims to reduce tensions in the disputed waterway by setting rules for maritime behaviour and crisis management. Talks have stalled repeatedly over the years amid tensions over territorial claims and competing national interests. The president's remarks came just days after the inaugural Asean Maritime Security 2025 forum was held in Manila. More than 70 maritime experts, officials and academics from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations from May 21 to 23 gathered to discuss regional challenges. Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr at the 46th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Monday. Photo: dpa
South China Morning Post
23-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
South China Sea: Philippines flexes naval muscle with 2 new warships
On a windswept pier in Subic Bay, once the site of the United States' largest overseas naval installation, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr stood before a newly minted guided-missile frigate and declared that his country would 'not surrender anything' in defence of its maritime sovereignty. Advertisement The commissioning of two naval vessels – including the 3,200-tonne (3,500-ton) Miguel Malvar – on the Philippine Navy's 127th founding anniversary on Tuesday was more than ceremonial. It marked a bold signal of Manila's intent to modernise its maritime capabilities and project strength in contested waters. But the additions will prove meaningful only if they are paired with a cohesive strategy and deeper coordination with defence partners, analysts warn. The Miguel Malvar is a guided-missile frigate, measuring over 100 metres (330 feet) in length and outfitted with a 76mm (3 inch) Oto Melara main gun, C-Star surface-to-surface missiles and Blue Shark anti-submarine torpedoes. A sister ship, the Diego Silang, is set to be delivered later this year by South Korea's HD Hyundai under a 28 billion peso (US$503 million) procurement deal signed in 2021. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr (centre) leaves the launch ceremony at Subic naval base in the Philippines on Tuesday. Photo: Kyodo Also commissioned was the Albert Majini, a high-speed patrol craft locally assembled under the navy's Littoral Combat Force. The eighth vessel in the Acero-class series, it honours a fallen naval officer recognised for his gallantry during anti-piracy operations in the southern Philippines
South China Morning Post
23-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
South China Sea: Philippines flexes naval muscle with 2 new warships
On a windswept pier in Subic Bay, once the site of the United States' largest overseas naval installation, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr stood before a newly minted guided-missile frigate and declared that his country would 'not surrender anything' in defence of its maritime sovereignty. The commissioning of two naval vessels – including the 3,200-tonne (3,500-ton) Miguel Malvar – on the Philippine Navy's 127th founding anniversary on Tuesday was more than ceremonial. It marked a bold signal of Manila's intent to modernise its maritime capabilities and project strength in contested waters. But the additions will prove meaningful only if they are paired with a cohesive strategy and deeper coordination with defence partners, analysts warn. The Miguel Malvar is a guided-missile frigate, measuring over 100 metres (330 feet) in length and outfitted with a 76mm (3 inch) Oto Melara main gun, C-Star surface-to-surface missiles and Blue Shark anti-submarine torpedoes. A sister ship, the Diego Silang, is set to be delivered later this year by South Korea's HD Hyundai under a 28 billion peso (US$503 million) procurement deal signed in 2021. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr (centre) leaves the launch ceremony at Subic naval base in the Philippines on Tuesday. Photo: Kyodo Also commissioned was the Albert Majini, a high-speed patrol craft locally assembled under the navy's Littoral Combat Force. The eighth vessel in the Acero-class series, it honours a fallen naval officer recognised for his gallantry during anti-piracy operations in the southern Philippines
South China Morning Post
22-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Philippines' Marcos revamps cabinet in ‘bold reset' after midterms setback
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr has ordered the mass resignation of his cabinet in what observers view as a strategic reset aimed at regaining momentum after a stinging midterm election setback. Advertisement All cabinet-level secretaries were asked on Thursday to submit their 'courtesy resignations' to allow the president to assess their performance and 'determine who will continue to serve in line with his administration's recalibrated priorities', according to a statement from the presidential palace. The move, described by the palace as a 'bold reset', came days after only five of the president's 10 endorsed candidates secured Senate seats in the May 12 vote – a result widely seen as a political blow. Marcos framed the resignations as part of a broader effort to reassert discipline and urgency across government. 'This is not about personalities – it's about performance, alignment, and urgency,' Marcos said. 'Those who have delivered and continue to deliver will be recognised. But we cannot afford to be complacent. The time for comfort zones is over.' Presidential communications undersecretary Claire Castro said she was not aware of any specific officials being targeted for removal. As of press time, all secretaries had either tendered their resignations or announced they would comply. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr (right) with Senate President Francis Escudero at the presidential palace in Manila on Thursday. Photo: AP Risk analyst Jonathan Ravelas, managing director of eManagement for Business and Marketing Services, told This Week in Asia this 'appears to be a strategic move to reassess performance and realign priorities after the midterm elections. It signals a push for greater accountability and results within the administration'.
