Jay Hilotin

Senior Assistant Editor

Articles from the author

Pax Silica in the Philippines: Moving beyond slogans

From land and labour to AI value chain: will Filipinos move beyond being suppliers?

A view of the New Clark City in Tarlac, a former US military base about 1 hour north of Manila, is planned to be transformed into an AI, chips and critical minerals processing hub. The hub's governing framework is also being developed as per the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA). The planned project has kicked up a massive debate in the Philippines.

Tesla hits 10M cars: How it forced automakers to change

How Tesla’s 10 millionth EV marks the dawn of a software-defined auto era

Tesla has hit 10 million vehicles produced so far, and the auto industry is still playing catch-up. It took 18 years since Tesla began producing the Roadster in 2008.

US, Israel weigh land blockade of Iran: Report

Iran, US trade strikes and claims from Hormuz to Kuwait amid Gaza deal push

US President Donald Trump says Washington is having “very friendly talks” with Tehran.

Philippines rewrites automotive industrial policy

₱4.32-billion budget fight: Manila recasts auto incentives to lure EV, battery investments

An EV charging station topped by solar panels inside the Department of Energy compound in Taguig, where VW and BYD vehicles are parked. Philippine Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque said the country is fast-tracking the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) in order to draw EV makers to invest in the Philippines by offering fiscal and non-fiscal benefits.

Pax Silica’s water question: What the numbers show

Balancing farms, communities and data centres in Central Luzon’s engineered water economy

The banner reads "Pax Silica of Trump, Dump!"

Fastest way to end the US-Iran War isn’t more missiles

From oil chokepoint to common corridor: a diplomatic blueprint for Hormuz

Vessels are seen anchored in the Strait of Hormuz, off the port city of Khasab on Oman’s northern Musandam Peninsula on May 17, 2026.

US-Iran conflict: What UAE residents need to know today

Travel alerts, higher costs and security checks reshape daily life for UAE residents

Commercial shipping traffic around the Strait of Hormuz. Photo is a screengrab from tanker tracker Marine Traffic taken at 9.20am GST on July 31, 2026.

US Navy tightens Iran blockade: 24 ships turned back

Blockade operations deepen amid unresolved US-Iran regional confrontation

US Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit rappel out of an MH-60S Sea Hawk during scheduled training aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7), one of more than 20 warships supporting the US blockade against Iran. Since the renewed US-Iran war following IRGC hits on commercial ships transitting Hormuz, CentCom forces have redirected 24 commercial ships, and disabled 2 as of July 30, 2026.

Saudi, allies launch Red Sea maritime defence alliance

Washington targets IRGC sites while Riyadh forms maritime alliance amid rising tensions

Sailors from the navy of Yemen's Aden-based internationally recognised government stand at machine-gun positions aboard a vessel patrolling a shipping lane off Hanish Island in the Red Sea.

3 new Philippine payment services explained

Your bank, wallet and bills just got more connected with3 new digital payment services

People using a GCash kiosk in the Philippines.

Iran says tanker 'broke' blockade — US says 'not true'

Battle over Hormuz now being fought not only at sea, but over competing narratives

A screengrab shows US Central Command military operations to enforce the naval blockade on Iran.

US sanctions China, India, Russia entities backing IRGC

New penalties underscore US bid to curb Tehran’s reach through economic pressure

A Mahan Air jet. Mahan Air has presented itself as a civilian carrier but has been under US sanctions for years over its ties to the IRGC, designated by Washington as a terrorist organisation.

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