Manila
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation promotes democracy, human rights, economic freedom, and curbing climate change. FNF Philippines focuses on open and digital society, as well as a social market economy. It is also involved in the creation of innovative tools. FNF Philippines team works with local organization partners such as Center for Liberalism and Democracy, Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines, Rappler, Philippine Economic Society, and Impact Leadership. Should you have questions or suggestions about our work, please contact us. You can also meet our team here.
News
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Liberals in the 2025 Midterm Elections and Beyond
Parliamentary elections were held in the Philippines on May 12. These midterm elections, in which the winners take office midway through President Marcos' term, will elect all 317 seats in the House of Representatives and 12 of the 24 seats in the Senate to form the 20th Philippine Congress. Local elections for the executive and legislative branches were also held in all municipalities, cities and provinces across the country. As in Canada and Australia, the elections showed that liberalism is neither dead nor obsolete. Liberal forces are needed and wanted. There is no other explanation for the surprising election result, especially with regard to the Senate elections.
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CLD Prepares Trainers for Voter Education and Vote Protection Ahead of 2025 Philippine Elections
To capacitate aspiring trainers for voter education and vote protection in the lead-up to the upcoming national and local elections on May 12, 2025, the Center for Liberalism and Democracy (CLD), in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation FNF Philippines, hosted two-parter Training of Trainers (TOT) across various regions of the Philippines starting March 2025.
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“Fighting Starts When Talking Stops”: The South China Sea Conflict in the Light of a New US Foreign Policy
Donald Trump's second term in office is causing unrest in the Pacific. Many countries bordering the South China Sea fear that US support will wane and that China's behaviour could become even more aggressive. Will Trump's isolationism also affect the Indo-Pacific region, giving China ‘free rein’?
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Kababaihang Liberal Holds Second General Assembly to Empower Women and Tackle Election Challenges
On March 16, 2025, Kababaihang Liberal (Liberal women) held its second General Assembly at the Gerry Roxas Training Center in Cubao, Quezon City. The event built on discussions from the recent Training of Trainers, shifting the focus to educating voters in preparation for the upcoming elections.
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Demokrasya sa Barangay: Kababaihang Liberal’s New Approach to Strengthening Women’s Voices in Communities
In celebration of Women’s Month, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Philippines collaborated with Kababaihang Liberal (Liberal women) to launch the Demokrasya sa Barangay (Democracy in the Barangay) initiative. This program, aimed at empowering women in local communities, included a series of events such as a Training of Trainers, Kwentuhan sa Barangay (Conversations in the Barangay) sessions in 10 sites, a General Assembly, and consultations with women community leaders.
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Arrest of Rodrigo Duterte: A Step Towards Accountability
On March 11, 2025, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for crimes against humanity. This development marks a significant milestone in the ICC's over eight-year investigation into the thousands of deaths linked to Duterte's "war on drugs”.
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CLD Voter Education Program Kicks Off with Film Screening and Panel Discussion
On March 1, 2025, the Center for Liberalism and Democracy (CLD), in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Philippines and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines' (PUP) academic organizations, successfully launched #YouthVote2025, CLD’sVote Protection Program at the Tanghalang PUP Theater in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
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Die Liberalen und die Zwischenwahlen 2025: ein Blick in die Zukunft
Am 12. Mai fanden in den Philippinen Parlamentswahlen statt. Bei diesen Zwischenwahlen, bei denen die Gewinner ihr Amt zur Halbzeit der Amtszeit von Präsident Bongbong Marcos antreten, werden alle 317 Sitze im Repräsentantenhaus und 12 der 24 Sitze im Senat zur Bildung des 20. philippinischen Kongresses gewählt. In allen Provinzen, Städten und Gemeinden des Landes fanden darüber hinaus Kommunalwahlen für die Exekutive und Legislative statt. Die Wahlen zeigten wie zuvor schon in Kanada und Australien: der Liberalismus ist weder tot noch obsolet. Die liberalen Kräfte werden gebraucht und sind gewünscht. Anders lässt sich das überraschende Wahlergebnis, insbesondere in Hinblick auf die Senatswahlen, nicht erklären.
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PPVR and FNF Hold Successful Week of Democratic Education and Empowerment in Butuan City
From February 26 to 27, 2025, Butuan City was filled with energy and a strong commitment to democracy as the People Power Volunteers for Reform (PPVR) Caraga, in partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Philippines, organized a series of productive events focused on voter education and the promotion of democratic values. The activities aimed to reach diverse groups, including youth and rural communities.
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Human Rights Memorialization Takes Center Stage at Project Alaala’s “Anna” Book Launch
On February 21, 2025, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Philippines, in collaboration with Ms. Joyce Crisanto and St. Bridget School Idinayale, launched the Project Alaala publication titled “Anna” at St. Bridget School in Quezon City.
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AHRC’s Semestral Break Internship Program Empowers Law Students and Grassroot Communities
The Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHRC) in partnership with Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Philippines kicked off the new year with its flagship and pioneer program, the Yugto: Semestral Break Internship Program 2025.
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Grundbucheintragung 2.0: Transformation des Eigentumsrechts in den Philippinen
Grundbucheintragungen sind die Grundlage für wirtschaftliche Sicherheit, persönliche Selbstbestimmung und soziale Stabilität. In den Philippinen sind jedoch Millionen von Menschen aufgrund fehlender formeller Eigentumsdokumente Konflikten ausgesetzt und somit nicht in der Lage, ihr Eigentum in vollem Umfang zu nutzen. Seit Generationen ist das Fehlen von Grundbucheintragungen ein Hindernis für Entwicklung. Familien im städtischen wie im ländlichen Raum sind dabei gleichermaßen betroffen.
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Land Titling 2.0: Transforming Property Ownership in the Philippines
Land titles are the bedrock of economic security, personal empowerment, and social stability. In the Philippines, however, the absence of formal ownership documents has left millions vulnerable to disputes and unable to fully leverage their property for development. For generations, untitled land has been a barrier to progress, affecting families across urban centers and rural provinces alike.
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Closing the Gap: Advancing Gender Equality in Property Rights in the Philippines
The World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2024 offers a mix of optimism and reality. Globally, 68.4% of the gender gap has been closed, while the Philippines has emerged as a regional leader, ranking 25th out of 146 countries with a gender parity score of 77.9%. This puts the country ahead in Southeast Asia, surpassing Singapore (48th), Thailand (65th), and Vietnam (72nd).
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FNF Philippines advocates the Localization of the National Cybersecurity Plan for Local Government Units
Since the 1990s, the exponential growth of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) has revolutionized economies and societies worldwide, serving as a critical enabler of connectivity, innovation, and productivity. While the evolution of ICT faced resistance over decades, the COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed its rapid adoption as a necessity rather than an option. This shift ushered in an era of accelerated digital transformation, bringing with it unprecedented opportunities but also heightened risks. The vulnerabilities of digital systems became increasingly apparent, with cyberthreats exploiting weaknesses in cyberspace at an alarming rate.
Social Media
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Women leaders of Asia — this is your moment! Apply now for the CALD Women’s Mentorship Program 2025 and get a chance to travel to Taipei and Bangkok for our in-person leadership sessions — with roundtrip airfare, accommodations and meals fully covered! 📍 Open to women leaders in East & Southeast Asia 🗓️ Program runs August–November 2025 💻 Hybrid format | 🌐 English 💰 Registration Fee: USD 300 (Fee exemption available!) 📲 Apply here: tinyurl.com/CALDWomenMentorship Or scan the QR code in the image!
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A big Happy Birthday shoutout to the amazing Ms. Yanyan Araña our dedicated FNF Philippines Project Manager! 🎉🥳🎁 Yanyan is not only a powerhouse in project management, but also a passionate advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community . Her tireless work and inspiring leadership continue to make a difference every day. Join us in celebrating her special day!
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🎉We are celebrating 67 years of the Friedrich-Naumann Foundation for Freedom! 🎉 On the 19th. In May 1958, Theodor Heuss signed the founding document of the #FNF - the beginning of a significant liberal educational and project work. Because: freedom is not a thing to be given, it is a task. Meanwhile, we are active as the voice of #liberalism and as a partner for democracy, human rights, rule of law and market economy in over 60 countries worldwide. Right now, in a time when autocracy, disinformation, and populism are gaining momentum, it is clear: liberalism is more urgent and necessary than ever. A big thank you to all the staff, supporters and partners who have joined us on this journey and are fighting for Liberal values with us every day. 🎁We also have something for you for your birthday: our current annual report in 2024! 👇 Check it out now: https://shop.freiheit.org/# ! /Publication/1937
Our Project Director
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