API podcast

From Coast Guard and Navy ships to research and fishing boats, Chinese vessels have increased presence within the Philippines' exclusive economic zones since the past month. To add fuel to the flame, China's envoy to Manila Jing Quan's remarks last October 15 verged on what the Philippine government considered as a "veiled threat"How far will China's provocation go before it is met with retaliation? How else has Beijing been harassing Manila beyond ICAD tactics over at the South China Sea? In this month's podcast, Asia-Pacific Insights editor-in-chief Manuel Mogato is joined again by resident columnists Ret. Col. Dencio Acop and Rodney Jaleco to assess China's latest acts of aggression. Visit asiapacificinisghts.com for more news and opinion pieces on diplomacy and defense.

For 2027, the Department of Budget and Management has allotted a ₱324.632 billion budget for the defense sector, a slight bump from last year. However, this is still a drop from its proposed P572.78 billion budget proposal submitted by the Department of National Defense (DND). This leaves little room for the modernization program, which is already behind schedule and nearing its 2028 deadline. Is the Philippine government allocating enough budget to defend the country's sovereignty? What should the defense sector prioritize in acquisitions next year? How can we rely on defense allies to fill in the gaps? In this episode of API Podcast, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Manuel Mogato, veteran defense journalist Rodney Jaleco and Ret. Col. Dencio Acop come together to analyze the 2027 DND budget. Visit asiapacificinsights.com for more news and opinion articles on security, diplomacy, and geopolitics.

Despite America's promises of remaining engaged in the Indo-Pacific, the Philippines and other nations remain on edge after the US announced it will be scaling back its military exercises with South Korea. Is it high time to consider other options -- such as reviving the SEATO or hedging on middle powers to counter China's ICAD tactics?In the latest episode of API Podcast, Pulitzer Prize Awardee Manuel Mogato is joined again by our resident columnists, Ret. Col. Dencio Acop and veteran defense journalist Rodney Jaleco to discuss the latest updates on security issues concerning the Philippines and its neighbors.Also we discuss the controversy of a former Congressman receiving multiple medals and earning the rank of a brigadier general despite having only served six years as a reservist for the Philippine Air Force. Visit www.asiapacificinsights.com for more news and opinion on security, defense, and diplomacy.

It has been 10 years since the UNCLOS international tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines over the contested waters in the South China Sea, invalidating China's sweeping maritime claims over the resource-rich waters. However, the battle has been far from over. From gray zone tactics to ICAD (Illegal, Coercive, Aggressive, and Deceptive), and now a publication of an AI-generated racist video depicting the Philippines as a monkey controlled by US and Japan, China continues to ignore the arbitral ruling. In this episode of API Podcast, Asia-Pacific Insights editor-in-chief Manuel Mogato is joined again by resident columnists Rodney Jaleco and Ret. Colonel Dencio Acop to discuss the latest updates on South China Sea. Jaleco and Acop also share their thoughts on the upcoming 59th ASEAN Ministers Meeting and related meetings, where multiple state leaders -- including China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi -- are expected to attend. Visit asiapacificinsights.com for more news and opinion on diplomacy, defense, and geopolitics.

Earlier last week US President Donald Trump announced that they have reached an agreement with Iran, but everyone still remained on edge. And as America continues to be preoccupied in the Middle East, it's no surprise that its traditional defense allies are looking elsewhere to make sure their bases are covered. The Philippines is no exception. In a span of a few weeks, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has met with state leaders from Japan, Vietnam, Germany and Russia for defense and economic opportunities. This is in part of his administration's "friend to all" policy. How will this all work out? In the 10th episode of API Podcast, our resident columnists Ret. Col. Dencio Acop and Rodney Jaleco share their expert insights on the latest updates in security and geopolitics. Visit our site asiapacificinsights.com for more security and diplomacy stories and opinion pieces.