Journal Articles and Academic Literature

  Cross-border illegal wildlife trade (IWT) poses significant social, political and economic threats. Despite a 2013 recommendation from the Secretariat of the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species to incorporate a human rights perspective in counter-IWT initiatives, our analysis of official documents spanning 2013–2022 reveals a lack of explicit implementation by international bodies. During the same period, global human rights organisations have given limited attention to the connections between IWT and human rights violations. In this article, we explore how integrating a human rights perspective can enhance the international legal framework and domestic measures against IWT. We conclude that to successfully implement counter-IWT legislation, a shift in mindset is needed. A human rights approach is not just desirable, but rather necessary, in the interpretation, application and revision of policy interventions, for laws against IWT to be truly effective and equitable.

 The illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is a US$20 billion global industry, with significant environmental, economic, and sociopolitical harms. Fueled by a complex interplay of drivers and enabling factors, IWT poses concrete stumbling blocks for several UN Sustainable Development Goals. There is an urgent need for comprehensive reforms to address its multifaceted consequences around the world. In Southeast Asia, IWT is rampant as the region serves as a global hub for this black market. However, because of its characterization as an invisible threat, many aspects of IWT in the region remains understudied, particularly its relationship with illicit financial flows. In this paper, I look at the different economic and legal interventions to address IWT, focusing on regulatory finance. Adapting legal mechanisms from comparative jurisdictions, I propose three measures to be spearheaded by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Community: first, to strengthen the implementation of existing financial crime instruments through specialized training and the utilization of emerging technology such as AI and blockchain; second, to append wildlife crimes as predicate offences to financial felonies, and; third, to utilize financial regulation instruments to fight poverty and support inclusive community development, encouraging communities to be proactive partners in long-term wildlife conservation.

 Due to the increased unpredictability and severity of weather patterns caused by climate change, traditional farming practices and risk management strategies are becoming increasingly inadequate. In this paper, we explore the literature to understand the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in mitigating climate-related agricultural risks and the pivotal role that public institutions play in encouraging farmers to adopt such technologies. We propose a framework to integrate AI into government-subsidized insurance structures, focusing on reduced premiums through government intervention. We argue that AI’s potential to reduce the uncertainty and severity of climate-induced damages could lower the overall risk profile of insured farmers, thereby justifying lower premiums in the long run. We further discuss the implications of such policies on insurance markets, agricultural sustainability, and global food security. Our initial exploration contributes to the literature by addressing a relatively underexplored intersection of two critical fields—agricultural insurance and artificial intelligence—suggesting directions for future research. 

 The substantial contribution of migrants to the global economy via remittances is particularly pronounced in developing countries, underscoring their economic significance. However, a considerable number of migrants embark on perilous journeys, resulting in over 46,000 migrant deaths since 2000. Human rights abuses further compound these challenges. This article delves into the intricate issues faced by millions of migrants, scrutinizing their economic roles and the absence of comprehensive legal protection. By highlighting the imminent demographic challenge, it explores the potential of migration in mitigating its impact. Stressing the imperative need for robust legal frameworks grounded in international human rights laws, the article advocates upholding migrants' fundamental rights as a pivotal strategy to avert the impending crisis. Employing a Critical Research framework, it analyzes international human rights laws and puts forth policy recommendations to mitigate the adverse effects of the impending demographic tsunami. The article concludes that the urgent necessity of embracing a human rights-centered approach to migration is evident, emphasizing its potential to alleviate the looming demographic challenges and propel inclusive economic development by recognizing migrants as valuable human capital 

We explore the application of fair trade principles to the fair culture movement through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). We highlight the potentials of AI-powered technologies in upholding the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. This encompasses creating a transparent and accountable record of fair culture products, ensuring the payment of proper compensation, local development, and adherence to certification processes. Other use cases include utilizing AI to incorporate fair culture recommendations into algorithmic systems used by global streaming platforms and e-commerce giants, all the while promoting non-discrimination, gender equity, and cultural diversity. We provide a number of existing AI technologies as non-exhaustive examples, including AI-powered blockchain, computer vision, natural language processing, and generative AI, and how they can be utilized to meet the goals of fair culture. However, while AI is a powerful tool for CCIs, we emphasize the need to regulate and protect the intellectual property of artists and indigenous communities, including sufficient attribution and compensation mechanisms. In line with the 2021 UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, we underscore the importance of considering ethical considerations and respecting privacy and cultural heritage in implementing AI technologies for fair culture.

The United Nations has hailed the Internet as a catalyst for the promotion of human rights and a necessary component for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. However, the Digital Divide still remains, highlighting existing inequalities within the greater social sphere. A key factor that excludes certain populations from accessing the wealth of information available online is low web accessibility. Web accessibility refers to the ease of use of the Internet by persons with disabilities. This article proposes that this is an understudied dimension of inequality, both at the individual and societal level, potentially affecting 1.3 billion people in the world in varying degrees. It discusses how improving web accessibility can improve the lives not only of persons with disabilities but also the general social welfare as well. In line with this, it explores a number of artificial intelligence use cases which can be implemented to mitigate this pressing challenge. Finally, the article concludes that governments, industries, and academia should devote increased initiatives in how AI can be used towards improving web accessibility in order to bridge the Digital Divide and contribute to alleviating the global inequality gap.

 This essay discusses global food insecurity and its physical, political, and socioeconomic symptoms. It will focus on systems thinking, adopting a whole-of-systems approach in recommending concrete steps on how to address this looming crisis. The first part provides an introduction of the magnitude of this problem through global research data and outlines how hunger afflicts both developing and developed countries. The second part discusses its potential transpolitical and economic outcomes. It fleshes out why food insecurity is a problem which affects sustainable development and global poverty alleviation in the long run. The third part of the essay forwards the concept of whole-of-systems and the systems thinking approach. It emphasizes that solutions towards food security do not lie within the sole domain of policy-making, but rather belongs to where all disciplines can provide critical contributions, providing concrete examples thereof. In conclusion, the essay highlights how the synergy of the various academic and professional disciplines, adopting systems thinking, is essential to deliver immediate and feasible plans of action towards the resolution of this urgent global challenge.

This paper seeks to analyze the regulatory framework of energy economics in the Philippines. It looks at the historical legal policy background upon which these regulations stand, and seeks to understand how different factors contribute to the performance of the energy industry in the Philippines today, particularly in providing service to the communities all around the country. The first part provides a background of the current status of the economics of electricity in the Philippines, in contrast between the Philippines and other countries in comparatively the same circumstantial environments but with vastly different payment rates for electricity. The second part delves deeper and discusses its history, tracing the creation of landmark private industries, community cooperatives and regulatory bodies throughout the century, up to the present day and how the current energy regulatory framework operates. It seeks to isolate the extent of influence on this particular variable that regulatory frameworks exert. Lastly, the final part dissects the Philippine regulatory framework, applying standards and concepts for efficiency in regulation and identifying areas for improvement. It concludes by providing four key recommendations: adopting data-driven regulation; promoting a principle-based regulatory system; improving incentives against corruption and patronage politics, and; increasing consumer education. These steps can provide the backbone of reform that the Philippine regulatory system needs in order to push forward an efficient, human rights-responsive social energy framework for its citizens.

The paper discusses sustainability from the perspective of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It traces the history of the regional body, as well as its efforts in integrating sustainability initiatives into its projects and programs. At the same time, it tackles the concepts of strong and weak sustainable development, highlighting their respective differences. Ultimately, it focuses on the question of biodiversity, and emphasizes why SSD is the best approach in addressing the current challenges faced by Member-States. To conclude, the paper discusses the goal of ASEAN from its conception, including its premium as a top biodiverse region, and highlights why SSD is the only way forward for the region. 

While there are many benefits to the use of blockchain technology, the challenge with cryptocurrencies and NFTs are that many of them are based on perceived value. This is why massive inflation and deflation can occur with the use of these tokens. The counterproposal is to use real-world value as basis for these electronic assets. One of them are carbon offset tokens. However, carbon tokens at present are very limited. There are only a few in existence, and many have not taken off the ground. It is also difficult to trade them, especially since there are no open platforms to do so. These assets, while growing, tend to stagnate compared to other tradable ones, including stocks and even crypto. Creating a handy wallet, stored on mobile, which allow for the trading of these carbon tokens can address this. This project envisions three phases: first, the tokenization of mangroves in underserved coastal communities in Quezon, Philippines; second, the launch of an e-wallet which allows users easy access to these electronic assets for trade or for use, and; third, the gradual integration of mangrove tokens along with other carbon and environmental tokens into a single platform to encourage easier trading. This initiative is useful for environmental health by helping further climate justice, increase biodiversity to prevent the further rise of zoonotic diseases, and serve as protective barriers for traditional coastal communities, which are often underserved and marginalized.

Surgical site infections (SSI) present a significant morbidity and mortality rate post-surgery, with effects more pronounced in developing countries than in developed ones. SSIs are not only personal burdens shouldered by individuals and their families; they also present a social cost to healthcare systems, with billions of dollars in economic losses every year due to unaddressed post-operative complications. There exists a number of initiatives and best practices to combat SSI, yet especially for developing countries, the statistics for infections remain relatively high, due to multiple factors. The authors propose the adaptation of newly-developed surface processing materials to be adapted for utilization in surgical centers and surrounding areas. This material, originally manufactured for application in the automotive industry, is both oleophobic and hydrophobic, which can be used to coat commonly-used objects in the surgery center, thereby reducing chances of microorganism retention, including infection-causing viruses, bacteria and fungi. Especially in underserved areas with limited resources, sanitation difficulties, and challenging hygiene practices, non-single use materials with these self-cleaning properties would be highly valuable for operating rooms and post-surgical care wards. Based on principles in exposure science, this new material can provide additional necessary environmental safeguards to prevent risks of SSI before, during and after surgery. 

 Climate change is an undisputable fact, a global problem of epic proportions. Because of this, it also requires a similarly-scaled solution: everyone working hand-in-hand in order to battle it. This essay discusses humanity’s role as both cause & solution of climate change. It tackles law & governance as a social mechanism by which human behaviour can be regulated, as well as the different levels under which it operates. It provides the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) & the Philippines as examples of the interplay between national & international law in the context of climate action. Finally, it suggests potential sociopolitical strategies based on international relations, domestic legal affairs & on-the-ground implementation in order to effectively combat climate change. It concludes with the need for collective, strategic action on all levels of policy & implementation in order for climate action to truly have an impact.

Since the 1970s, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been collectively committed to battling transnational crimes, which pertain to violations of law transcending national borders. Until 2001, the concept of terrorism has fallen under the ambit of this general classification. It was only after the events of 9/11 that it has been given separate treatment & more focus as a legitimate & growing security threat in the region. This paper utilizes country-focus analysis of the ASEAN member-states as well as examines key regional treaties, agreements & declarations regarding terrorism, evaluating the legal regime under which collective ASEAN policies & actions on anti-terrorism lie. It notes that while there is a move to address terrorism on a regional level, its emphasis on sovereignty & the application of domestic law can hinder rather than help eradicate terrorism. The author forwards that ASEAN’s success in addressing regional security concerns as a multilateral cooperative economic community in 2020 would depend heavily on its ability to adopt & abide by standards set by International Humanitarian Law (IHL) when applicable, both on its perspective on terrorism & how it proffers counterterrorism measures for individual member-states & as a collective. 

In light of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s War on Drugs, this article discusses several key issues which relate to its implementation. It discusses Operation Tokhang & notes that the extrajudicial killings accompanying it show the failure of the Executive to uphold Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. It analyzes legislation & case law which could give rise to criminal liability of the Commander-in-Chief & errant law enforcers under domestic & international criminal law, despite the cloak of Presidential Immunity & the ability of the Chief Executive to grant absolute pardon. It also discusses various legal remedies for citizens directly & indirectly affected by the Duterte Administration’s War on Drugs, & posits that the Courts retain the power to prevent these abuses from further happening, as well as penalize those who have exceeded the scope of their authority & exercised abuse of office.

The essay discusses the phenomenon termed ‘demographic tsunami’ & its possible repercussions in the global socioeconomic & political arena in the near future. It talks about the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) & the challenges that meeting them faces, in light of this continuous worldwide demographic imbalance. It identifies three key divides which further complicate the problem: the generational divide, the gender divide & the economic divide. It posits that in order to address this pressing concern, it is necessary to bridge these gaps. The author offers a series of propositions from the perspective of international law & best practices in governance & the development sector which are geared towards youth empowerment, structural reforms in education & sustainable, circular labor migration & reintegration. It also emphasizes the empowerment of women & the positive role of ICTs in assisting inclusive global development. The author also discusses the issue of refugees, which comprise 65 million of the total 244 million international migrants as of Q4 2015. He forwards that instead of viewing them as state burdens, they should be considered as additional factors to boost diversity, productivity & economic gains. In conclusion, the essay advances that instead of designating the phenomenon as a ‘demographic tsunami’, it should be considered instead as ‘demographic propulsion,’ signifying a collective, global drive to move forward for inclusive, sustainable development. 

 Criminal justice mechanisms are often overlooked in the crafting of laws, rules & policies related to disaster risk reduction, response & management. This leads to the detriment of citizens in communities ravaged by calamities, for they are doubly victimized, first by the consequences of the natural phenomena, & second by the ineffectuality of the criminal justice system in their locale in the chaos following the storm. This paper examines the effects of such oversight in Asia. In particular, it analyzes legislation & jurisprudence related to the intersection of disaster law & criminal law, & how it has failed in the aftermath of the strongest storm to ever make landfall in history. Applicable not only to the Philippines but also to greater Asia, it recommends best practices & key policies for stronger criminal justice mechanisms to take effect in the aftermath of natural calamities, in order to prevent abuses on the accused, support community rehabilitation & ultimately uphold human rights.