Nikkei Asia News Roundup with Jada and Brian #93(2025.11.14)“Scandal sends Philippine peso lower, hunt for the next Labubu”
Nov 14, 2025
The Philippine peso is in freefall amid an infrastructure corruption scandal, shaking investor confidence. SoftBank's massive NVIDIA sale highlights gains from AI investments. Meanwhile, Thai authorities tighten public alcohol rules, and Singles Day reflects China's economic sluggishness. Jada and Brian dive into the challenges faced by Shiseido in the U.S., and discuss the unique halal ramen test market in Indonesia. As they ponder the next 'LaBubu' collectible phenomenon in Thailand, they shed light on transnational crime's impact in Southeast Asia.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Peso Falls After Infrastructure Scandal
- The Philippine peso plunged to an all-time low amid investor sell-offs tied to an infrastructure corruption scandal.
- Jada Nagumo explains that anti-graft probes and weakened remittance support eroded confidence in the economy.
Anti‑Graft Probe Spotlighted Infrastructure Risk
- The Marcos Jr. anti-graft probe highlighted corruption in flood and storm-control projects and exposed infrastructure weaknesses.
- That scrutiny prompted capital flight as investors and overseas Filipinos lost trust in public projects.
Remittances May No Longer Cushion Outflows
- Overseas remittances historically propped up the Philippines' capital flows but may no longer offset investor outflows.
- Brian Chapman warns that weakened remittance support risks deeper currency pressure.