PHILIPPINES: Sara Duterte may really be out of the running
The probability that Sara Duterte may not run for the presidency has increased. The nominal beneficiary is Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., the son of the former autocrat, who may emerge as the front-runner in a Duterte-less race. Polling this early in the race could show substan… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
PHILIPPINES: As Marcos Jr. enters the race, the wait for Duterte continues
The 2022 picture will remain incomplete until Sara Duterte clarifies her intentions. The outlook for the presidential contest has changed since our initial assessments in the spring — a wide open race is now a greater possibility, especially if Marcos can weather the init… Become a member to read the rest of this article
PHILIPPINES: The circus is coming to town
Sara Duterte is still the nominal front-runner for the presidency, although she disavows any intent to seek the office. Her recent ratings decline may be a cause of worry for her campaign and force her to disclose her real intent sooner. Manila mayor Francisco Domagoso … Become a member to read the rest of […]
PHILIPPINES: The tangled web of the Duterte drama
This week, Sara Duterte, the president’s daughter, said she would seek reelection as mayor of the southern city of Davao, in support of her earlier statement that she would avoid what had until then been a presumed presidential run. She would do this, according to her spokesperso… Become a member to read the rest […]
PHILIPPINES: Still skeptical about Duterte for vice-president, until December
President Rodrigo Duterte’s PDP-Laban party formally nominated him at its party convention today, 8 September, to be its vice-presidential candidate in May 2022. However, Duterte factotum Senator Christopher Go, who was chosen to be its presidential bet, declined the nomination, … Become a member to read the rest of this article
PHILIPPINES: Duterte for VP next year is all sound and fury
On Tuesday, 24 August, President Rodrigo Duterte said that he is accepting the endorsement of his party, PDP-Laban, for him to run for the vice-presidency in the 9 May 2022 elections. In justifying his unconventional decision, Duterte said he wanted to “continue the crusade” agai… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
PHILIPPINES: The symbolic marker to the end of Duterte’s China pivot
The Philippine government announced during the visit of US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on 30 July that Manila was retracting its February 2020 termination of the 1999 Philippines-USA visiting forces agreement (VFA). During a press conference yesterday, 2 August, Duterte explai… Become a member to read the rest of this article
PHILIPPINES: Duterte looks first to his succession plans, not legacy
At a press conference yesterday, President Rodrigo Duterte said he should be considered as a candidate for the vice-presidency in 2022. The statement is likely a bluff to create political noise that keeps him relevant through the next few months. For Duterte and many of… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
PHILIPPINES: With Aquino’s death, Duterte’s populism loses a target
In 2009, the death of democracy icon and former president Corazon Aquino generated a surge of nostalgia that catapulted her son, Benigno Aquino III (“Noynoy”), then a largely nondescript senator with a thin legislative record, to the presidency in 2010. Mr. Aquino’s death yesterd… Become a member to read the rest of this article
PHILIPPINES/CHINA: Manila escalates response to Beijing’s maritime activities
Philippine naval activity in disputed South China Sea waters increased more than seven-fold in recent months. President Roderigo Duterte appears to have yielded to pressure from the military establishment to push back more strongly against Chinese military activities in th… Become a member to read the rest of this article