filipino_american
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As far as I know, in regards to recent news clippings, they have improved their economy and grows at an unprecedented rate of over 7.8%. Their current president and administration have displayed greater transparency as compared to former presidents, which have invited the heightened attention of the United States.
They have purchased 2 former Cutters of the USCG to augment their navy. They have purchased new rifles and more artillery units that will give their army a qualitative edge. Their air force is preparing for new purchases i think. The Philippines has always had a strategic advantage in terms of defensive line. Their armed forces uphold a defensive military doctrine.
One should not presuppose that they (the Philippine Armed Forces) will remain weak. They are increasing their capability as we speak. And as one who partook in CARAT back in 2008, 2009, I worked with Filipino marines and navy personnel before. It would be unwise to think that they are weak. The Filipino people are very friendly, however, their military personnel are aggressive and dangerous fighters. What they lack in qualitative arms, they make up for their mastery of the terrain and defensive military doctrine.
The table is slowly turning around.
The Philippines is a RISING TIGER ECONOMY according to the WORL BANK
The Strongest PERFORMING ASIAN ECONOMY according to economists
Just stole CHINA'S crown as the Fastest Growing Economy in ASIA
The Philippines has attained INVESTMENT GRADE
The Philippine is #1 in Merchandise Export Growth in East Asia
The Philippines is the best performing Stock MARKET in ASIA
The Philippine PESO is the 3rd Best performing Currency GLOBALLY.
The Philippines ranks first in Business Confidence Index in Asia
The Philippines is now a NEWLY Industrialized Country like CHINA, INDIA, and Brazil. It is not a developing country anymore
The Philippines is now a LENDER and not a BORROWER anymore
The Philippines is one of top 3 markets in 2013 -JP Morgan
According to Goldman Sachs, the Philippine economy will become the 14th largest economy in the world by 2050
With its ECONOMIC RISE, its MILITARY BUDGET also increased 100%.
The Philippines is SECRETLY BUYING MILITARY EQUIPMENT left and right.
By 2020, you will see the big difference.
I think US forces are very much welcome in Philippines, so why not allow US base in the Spratlys so they monitor Chinese ships passing through their EEZ?
That is currently under negotiation.