The UP Asian Center will host the public lecture, "Privatizing Governance: How the Country’s Top Oligarchs Capture Business and Politics" on 11 July 2025, 2 PM to 5 PM (GMT+8), at the Seminar Hall, Hall of Wisdom, Asian Center, UP Diliman. The event is open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to register online.
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ABOUT THE LECTURE
The decades following the fall of the Marcos dictatorship saw the increasing participation of a resurgent Philippine oligarchy in key economic sectors. This phenomenon has accelerated in recent years, with the influence, if not control, by big business of vital sections of the economy becoming even more pronounced. The forum focuses on how the 10 richest Filipinos have been able to leverage their massive investments, particularly in the provision of public goods such as infrastructure and utilities, to gain greater influence in public rule-setting to benefit their business interests. The discussion traces how this intertwining of economic and political power has impacted government policies over the years.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
ANTOINETTE R. RAQUIZA, Ph.D.
Professor, Asian Center, UP Diliman
Dr. Antoinette R. Raquiza is a Professor at the Asian Center, University of the Philippines Diliman. She earned both her Ph.D. and MA in Political Science from the City University of New York Graduate Center, following a BA in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman. Specializing in the political economy of late development, Dr. Raquiza's research interests cover governance and development policies, comparative political institutions, globalization and international political economy, as well as identity politics and conflict studies.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS
This public lecture is organized by the UP Asian Center in partnership with the Freedom from Debt Coalition, and the Sarilaya-Development Workers' Chapter. This event is part of the celebration of the 70th founding anniversary of the UP Asian Center.
The Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) is the world’s oldest debt-watch monitor and as the only coalition in the world working on the Philippines’ debt problem, FDC is globally recognised as an authoritative organisation on debt issues, generating solidarity and support from various NGOs, churches and solidarity networks around the world. FDC has developed alternatives for national and human development while campaigning against unjust and unsustainable neoliberal economic policies. FDC aims to ensure a gendered perspective and understanding of the Coalition’s Social Debt and Social wage campaign. The program also aims to lead efforts in increasing the integration of the feminist economics framework in FDC’s advocacy and campaigns.
