Title:

 Global economic downturn could affect PH

Author:

Eduardo C. Tadem

Source:

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Date:

February 24, 2016

Description:

The Philippines faces an economic and social crisis as a result of developments in the global economic scene. This will be precipitated by 1) China’s economic decline, 2) continuing economic troubles in Europe, the United States, and the newly emerging economies, 3) Japan’s recession, and 4) the decline in global oil prices.

Title:

 U.S. mulls pledge on disputed Philippines outpost

Author:

Bill Gertz

Source:

The Washington Times

Date:

February 24, 2016

Description:

The U.S. military should consider offering new security guarantees to the Philippines similar to those promised to Japan in response to any military attacks by China in maritime disputes in Asia, the commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific said this week.

Title:

 One expands, the other exits: SM, ALI take opposite routes on China ventures

Author:

Richmond Mercurio

Source:

The Philippine Star

Date:

February 22, 2016

Description:

MANILA, Philippines - Two of the country’s largest property developers are taking different directions with respect to investing in China, with one heading for the exit and the other staying put, as growth in the world’s second largest economy continues to slow down.

Title:

 Australia to continue 'freedom of navigation' patrols in South China Sea

Author:

Carla Lim

Source:

InterAksyon.com

Date:

February 21, 2016

Description:

In spite of the deployment of China's anti-aircraft missiles on Woody Island in the Paracel island chain last week, Australia will not cease its operations - whether at sea or in the air - promoting "freedom of navigation" in the South China Sea, Canberra's top diplomat to the Philippines has said.

Title:

 Filipino troops ready for ‘worst-case’ in dispute with China

Author:

Julie M. Aurelio and Tarra Quismundo

Source:

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Date:

February 21, 2016

Description:

FORT GREGORIO DEL PILAR, Philippines—The chief of the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Palawan-based Filipino troops had planned for “the worst-case scenario” and were monitoring China’s reported deployment of surface-to-air missiles in the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea.