Duterte’s grand design for a perpetual state of martial law
President Rodrigo Duterte appealed to Congress to extend martial law. Is Duterte preparing for a state of perpetual martial law?
Philippines
Duterte supports same-sex marriage, but why now
President Rodrigo Duterte has emerged as an unlikely supporter of same-sex marriage. However, his motives are purely political.
Duterte’s losing battle against poverty, drugs and extremism
Duterte has made little progress in solving the main issues affecting the Philippines population. It is about time he acted on his pre-election discourse.
Can the Philippines afford to rebuild Marawi City
The Marawi conflict looks to be drawing to a close. The cost of rebuilding the area is enormous and will leave the Philippines vulnerable.
A repeating cycle: Aquino the latest ex-Philippine President to face criminal charges
Former Philippine President Benigno Aquino faces charges for graft and “usurpation of authority”. Duterte seems keen to serve justice.
Philippines: The ISIS Hub of Southeast Asia?
Decreased US military support and favourable conditions for extremist cells to operate are bringing ISIS insurgents to the Philippines.
South China Sea communique: A PR win for China or a win for ASEAN regionalism?
The Philippines called the ASEAN joint communique on the South China Sea “very balanced”. It suits China, but others disagree.
Is the Philippines heading into a debt crisis?
With limited public information over proposed Chinese loans, Duterte may be leading a blindfolded public straight into an economic crisis.
Duterte’s offer of a Bangsamoro government: Shaping his legacy
With Marawi in crisis, Duterte turns to self-rule for Muslims to bring extremism under control. It might be the best chance he has of tackling radical extremism.
Why the Philippines won the South China Sea, but China has taken the spoils
One year after the Philippines won recognition of its rights to disputed waters, China still does as it wishes – untouched by international law.