Philippines at ‘high risk’ for political instability amid Middle East conflict

THE PHILIPPINES remains at “high risk” for political instability as the widening conflict in the Middle East threatens local supply chains and energy security, according to Washington-based South Asia Foresight Network (SAFN).

- By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

In its 2026 Economic Crime and Geopolitics Index (ECGI), the Philippines’ score rose to 72.6 from 71.65 in November 2025. This score keeps the Philippines ata “high risk” level.

The country first reached the “high risk” level in November last year amid heightened public unrest from the corruption scandal.

The index assesses how a country’s corruption levels, severity of economic crime, public response, and geopolitical pressures shape political stability.

Aside from the Philippines, other Southeast Asian countries considered as “high risk” include Myanmar (73), Indonesia (72.1), Cambodia (71.3), and Thailand (70.2).

On the other hand, Vietnam (68.7), Laos (67.5), and Malaysia (65) were classified as “medium risk” countries, while Singapore (59.5) and Brunei (57.9) were considered “low risk.”

The Philippines obtained a score of 32 in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, 7 in economic crime severity, 7 in public response exposure, and 7.5 in geopolitical influence.