Shanice Espiritu-Amador’s Post

Breaking my LinkedIn hiatus to post about the Lowy Institute's Launch of the 2024 Asia Power Index which I had the privilege to join yesterday. One thing to note is how unique (and to a point, refreshing) it is to hear expert perspectives on the Philippines and the greater ASEAN region from an outside lens. One interesting theme constantly repeated throughout the forum was how the index results show an enduring US-China bipolarity. This, the speakers believe, is more preferable to an unpredictable multipolar region, with the Middle East as one example, albeit with caution. I have two minds on this point: on one hand, the analysis is sound, with the most compelling proof being a region that has not succumbed to an all-out war considering the number of territorial disputes China has with other SEA members. On the other hand, it humbly grounds claims of other middle-power countries vying for a share of influence in the region. Other intriguing insights that my circle here on LinkedIn might find in handy are: 1) the creation of a NATO-like organisation might be something that the ASEAN states might should consider (although I believe the ADMM should have been this instrument) 2) the pursuit of India as a pole in itself, quite remarkably distanced from the US and China and how it shows in the Power Index 3) Indonesia as a rising regional power that warrants attention, though for now we don't know how exactly You can find the index here: https://lnkd.in/g8dm5mqJ

I'm pleased to share with you all my latest occasional paper entitled "Understanding Youth and Expert Opinions Towards Proposals on Amending the 1987 Constitution," published under the Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute. This is also my first paper as a non-resident fellow of the Institute. This paper shows the results of a national survey under PULSE ASIA LTD on charter change, a nationwide consultation among youth groups, and one consultative discussion with experts in Constitutional law, economics, policy, and trade. These consultations were conducted from March to April of this year. In this paper, I summarise the key concerns and arguments provided by these two groups on their support or apprehension towards changing the 1987 Constitution. I also offer a few general recommendations for policymakers and policy entrepreneurs desiring to pursue successful charter change in the Philippines. Link: https://lnkd.in/gVJz5Eey

Back at Crawford! I'm back in Canberra for almost a week now, and I'm met with the most stunning autumn colors. I couldn't not come and pay a visit to the beautiful ANU campus, as well as my school, the Crawford School of Public Policy. I have been part of the Foundations of Public Policy course (POGO8401) teaching team back in the Philippines, and now I'm here, I'm finally able to join meetings in person with Dr. Sue Regan, our course lecturer, and Hali Aprimadya, a Crawford PhD student and a tutor in the course like me. Definitely feels good to be back!

"The State of Infrastructure and Engagement Survey, run by the ANU Institute for Infrastructure in Society, is Australia’s longest-running study into how community engagement, social risk and social licence influence delivery of Australia’s major projects, according to those who work in the sector. The results of the 6th survey released today confirm that, since 2018, industry professionals have consistently identified ‘stakeholder and community pressure’, as one of the top three most influential factors impacting on project delays or cancellations."

Incredible handbook for all SIA practitioners and scholars in the field. I found the chapter on national legal frameworks for social impact assessment and management particularly interesting. This handbook is a must-read!

Red tape and corrupt practices are intrinsically tied together: bureaucratic inefficiencies ultimately create gaps where bribery in exchange for faster services are given the opportunity to flourish. In a nation keen to acquire outside investors and flourishing enterprises like the Philippines, corruption and inefficiencies in business processes are significant obstacles to growth. The Economic and Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Briefing by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) that was held early today in Manila Hotel provided a glimpse of how the current administration is working to achieve a conducive business environment through the curbing of red tape. By programs outlined by ARTA Sec. Ernesto Perez in streamlining business processes to having the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) Secretary Frederick Go discuss priority legislation addressing investor concerns, reforms seem to finally be heading in the right direction. Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute Research Director Venice Isabelle Rañosa and I were privileged to join this briefing, with the added bonus of seeing ARTA's Deputy Director General for Operations Usec. Engr. Gerald G. Divinagracia, MBPM again, who was one of the esteemed speakers in our anti-corruption event last December 7. Seeing collaboration between government and the private sector unfolding to create opportunities for all is an incredible sight to behold. There's nowhere to go but up.

The latest Pulse Asia Survey commissioned by the Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute stated that 8 out of 10 Filipinos would like the current Marcos Jr. administration to work with the United States amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea. In this interview on CNN Philippines last January 17, I discussed these results alongside numbers for other nations like Australia and Japan, and touched upon the subject of charter change during the latter part of the interview. You can find the interview link here: https://lnkd.in/gT8nBTxZ