Stratbase Institute

Yesterday, representatives from the Philippine Energy Research and Policy Institute (PERPI) paid a courtesy visit to Stratbase Institute President Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit. He was joined by Stratbase Deputy Managing Director Mr. Orlando Oxales, Chief of Staff Ms. Dana Dinsay, Program and Research Manager for Clean Energy Transition and Energy Security Ms. Linar Orbista, and Senior Program and Research Associate for Clean Energy Transition and Energy Security Ms. Carissa Ultra.

PERPI is the country’s top independent think tank on energy policy and sustainability. Created through Republic Act No. 11572, PERPI advances energy research and policy development on energy issues in the Philippines.

Together, Stratbase and PERPI discussed the key developments in the country's energy sector and explored areas of collaboration. Stratbase remains committed to strengthening the country’s energy security by promoting a balanced energy mix and advocating for the development of indigenous energy resources.

Today, the Stratbase Institute, in partnership with Konrad-Adenaeur-Stiftung Philippines, held a closed-door discussion entitled “Chinese Cyber Capabilities in Focus: Strategic Insights for a Changing Security Landscape,” as part of its Manila Calling Discussion Series at the Manila House Private Club, Taguig City.

Held under the Chatham House Rule, the forum convened representatives from government, the military, academia, the private sector, and the diplomatic community for a discussion on the evolving cybersecurity landscape and capabilities of the People’s Republic of China and its impact to both regional and national security contexts.

In his remarks, Stratbase Institute President Prof. Dindo Manhit underscored how security threats have fundamentally shifted beyond traditional security domains into the cyber and information space. He also highlighted how cyber domain has become a strategic battleground for shaping narratives and spreading disinformation, with the Philippines experiencing efforts to discredit democratic institutions, weaken alliances with like-minded nations, and ultimately, undermine the legitimacy of the 2016 Arbitral Award.

Stratbase continues to emphasize that cybersecurity is national security and must be an indispensable pillar of the national defense strategy. We remain committed to fostering a whole-of-society approach in strengthening the country’s cyber and digital infrastructure, amidst sophisticated and persistent threats by foreign actors.

Diwa Guinigundo, Former Deputy Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, writes on his weekly column in BusinessWorld:

“The legal debate is important. But the larger issue is institutional.

The message being sent to the public is that the Senate, constitutionally entrusted with legislation, oversight, investigations, and the confirmation of key appointments, is increasingly unable to perform its basic functions because political factions are placing partisan considerations above institutional responsibility.

That perception matters.”

‘I watched with horror…’ - BusinessWorld Online President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. could not have chosen more telling words. Speaking in Tokyo on May 29, he said: “I watched with horror that the Senate has become this.” He was referring to what should have been one of the country’s most important democratic institutions descending into a spect...

This morning, Stratbase Institute President and CEO Prof. Dindo Manhit was invited to be a speaker during the Strategic Planning of Likhaan’s Board of Trustees in Somerset Makati. Likhaan is a non-government organization that aims to achieve health and equality, particularly of women and poor and disadvantaged groups.

For his talk, Prof. Manhit spoke on the national economic and political situation, particularly on Geostrategic Thinking and Regional Dynamics in a Fragmented World. Prof. Manhit talked about the geo-economic situation in relation to the current cost-of-living crisis the Filipino people continue to face today. As such, approaching these issues through a whole-of-Philippine-society approach will help the nation thrive amidst challenges and uncertainties.

Prof. Dindo Manhit, President of Stratbase Institute, writes on "Thinking Beyond Politics", a BusinessWorld opinion column:

“This cooperation has become particularly significant as both countries confront common concerns related to maritime security, freedom of navigation, and the maintenance of a rules-based international order. South Korea’s support for the Philippines’ defense modernization efforts contributes not only to national security but also to broader regional stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

This matters greatly in today’s Indo-Pacific environment. Maritime security, supply chain resilience, and regional stability have become shared concerns among like-minded nations. The Philippines and South Korea increasingly find themselves aligned not only economically, but strategically.”

South Korea’s democratic resilience and a new era in PHL-Korea relations https://bworldonline.com/opinion/2026/06/03/753883/south-koreas-democratic-resilience-and-a-new-era-in-phl-korea-relations/

Prof. Dindo Manhit, President of Stratbase Institute, writes on "Thinking Beyond Politics", a BusinessWorld opinion column:

“This cooperation has become particularly significant as both countries confront common concerns related to maritime security, freedom of navigation, and the maintenance of a rules-based international order. South Korea’s support for the Philippines’ defense modernization efforts contributes not only to national security but also to broader regional stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

This matters greatly in today’s Indo-Pacific environment. Maritime security, supply chain resilience, and regional stability have become shared concerns among like-minded nations. The Philippines and South Korea increasingly find themselves aligned not only economically, but strategically.”

South Korea’s democratic resilience and a new era in PHL-Korea relations - BusinessWorld Online One year after the historic election of President Lee Jae Myung, South Korea occupies a geopolitical vantage point that few countries today can match: it stands politically tested yet institutionally resilient, economically challenged yet globally competitive, culturally influential yet increasingly...

Accelerate D2C rollout for inclusive digital economy

Genuine development will only be achieved if Filipinos are given the same opportunities wherever they are in the archipelago.

The Stratbase Institute is thus pushing for the acceleration of D2C or direct-to-cell satellite rollout. This will bring the gains of digital connectivity to even the farthest and most isolated places in the Philippines.

To be sure, there have been efforts initiated by the private sector, notably telcos Globe and Smart. However, these would still need the support of the government in terms of greater deployment of low-earth orbit satellites. These would complement the traditional manners of establishing connections through cell towers and fiber networks.

The available infrastructure needs to be improved so that even legislation aiming to boost connectivity in Philippine communities could achieve their aim.

In this digital age, the gains of a tech-powered economy cannot be denied. It is incumbent upon the government to ensure that these efforts reach all Filipinos wherever they are in the archipelago.

For Stratbase founder Dindo Manhit, the numbers carry a clear warning for those eyeing the next national vote. “The battle for public opinion in 2028 will be fought largely online. Candidates and political movements that fail to engage voters in the digital space risk losing relevance, especially among younger and highly connected Filipinos,” he said.

He cautioned, however, against writing off older channels entirely. “At the same time, the continued influence of television, family networks and radio reminds us that campaigns must still communicate across multiple platforms and communities if they hope to build a truly national constituency,” Manhit said.

Facebook remains top news source for Filipinos despite misinformation concerns, survey finds A new poll has reaffirmed Facebook's grip on how Filipinos consume news, with three out of four respondents naming the platform as a place they turn to for information even as concerns over online falsehoods persist.

‘TATALUNIN NIYA SI SEN. ROBIN PADILLA’

Posible pang lumaki ang lamang ni Sen. Erwin Tulfo kay Sen. Robin Padilla sa vice presidential survey para sa 2028 elections, ayon kay Stratbase Founder and CEO Prof. Dindo Manhit.

Base sa head-to-head vice presidential survey ng Pulse Asia na kinomisyon ng Stratbase Group, nakakuha si Sen. Tulfo ng 46% na suporta kumpara sa 38% ni Sen. Padilla.

"Matibay 'yung pangalang Tulfo, lalo na kay Erwin na tatalunin niya sa Sen. Robin Padilla," saad ni Manhit sa panayam sa "Gud Morning Kapatid."

"Kasi hindi pa ‘to nag-uumpisa 'yung mga ingay at kaguluhan sa Senado. Baka lalo pang magkaroon ng positive view lalo na sa paninindigan na nakikita natin kay Sen. Erwin Tulfo," dagdag pa niya.

Gayunman, tinalo si Tulfo ni Sen. B**g Go sa hiwalay na vice presidential matchup, kung saan nakakuha si Go ng 47% laban sa 42% ni Tulfo.