In Asia: Weekly Insight and Features from Asia

After months of hot debate and decades in the making, President Benigno Aquino Jr. is signing into law major changes to the tax structure on alcohol and tobacco products. This so-called “sin tax” is expected to raise P30 billion ($750 million) to provide health care services…

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In previous posts, the nature of politics in the Philippines has been explored from many angles. We’ve examined the history of a weak state, how local politicians have difficulty making a national impact, and trials and techniques of Philippine presidents in the face of this situation.

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As thousands of development experts and leaders gathered this week in Busan, Korea, for the Fourth High-Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness, The Asia Foundation has just published a book featuring case studies from the Philippines that focus on many of the most critical development challenges being raised in Busan.

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The benefits of a connected and integrated Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are evident to many. In aviation, ASEAN is home to AirAsia, the world’s fastest growing airline in the past decade. To support this growth, ASEAN leaders have agreed to implement an open skies regime by 2015. In the Greater Mekong Sub-region, significant [...]

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As the May 10 national election approaches in the Philippines, efforts are underway in many quarters, all competing to shape the agenda of the new administration that will assume office on July 1. Early this week, in a large ballroom filled with the country’s major foreign investors, government officials and media, the Joint Foreign Chambers [...]

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“Accelerating growth, low inflation, low interest rates, and improving government finances.” Is that a reference to Thailand, Malaysia or another dynamic Southeast Asian country? To the surprise of many, it is the Philippines. Most know the Philippine as the “sick man of Asia” characterized by “boom and bust” economic growth since the overthrow of Ferdinand [...]

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