The Diplomat | Author
Mong Palatino
Mong Palatino served for two terms in the House of Representatives in the Philippines representing the youth sector.
He is a regular blogger and Global Voices regional editor for Southeast Asia and Oceania.
September 25, 2023
Environmentalists Under Attack in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
According to a new report by the watchdog Global Witness, the country remains the most dangerous place in Asia to be an environmental activist.
September 14, 2023
Philippines’ Top Leaders Accused of Making Irregular Budget Transactions
By Mong Palatino
Vice President Sara Duterte's use of confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs), which are usually reserved for the security forces, has raised eyebrows.
September 04, 2023
Philippines Suspends New Travel Rules Amid Public Outcry
By Mong Palatino
Migrant workers and others argue that the rules, intended to eliminate human trafficking, have hampered the ability of Filipinos to travel freely.
August 21, 2023
Who Promised to Remove the Grounded Philippine Ship on Second Thomas Shoal?
By Mong Palatino
Government officials, including two former presidents, have denied Beijing's claim that Manila made an agreement to remove the ship from the disputed shoal.
August 07, 2023
Manila Bay Reclamation Under Review Over Environmental and China Concerns
By Mong Palatino
The U.S. embassy in Manila has raised concerns about the involvement of a blacklisted Chinese firm in the ongoing projects.
July 26, 2023
Marcos Adopts New Philippine Government Branding
By Mong Palatino
The change “calls for deep and fundamental transformations in all sectors of society and government," but critics say the reforms are no more than skin-deep.
July 14, 2023
Philippines Allows ‘Barbie’ Film Screening Amid ‘9-Dash-Line’ Controversy
By Mong Palatino
The move followed a decision by Vietnamese censors to bar the distribution of the film for allegedly depicting the Chinese maritime claim.
July 07, 2023
Philippines’ New Tourism Ad Draws Flak
By Mong Palatino
The advertisement, a showcase of the country's new "Love the Philippines" slogan, contained stock photos from other countries.
June 23, 2023
Philippine Senate Probes Afghan Refugee Deal
By Mong Palatino
A proposal to resettle 50,000 refugees, mostly former employees of the U.S. government in Afghanistan, has stirred up a political controversy.
June 14, 2023
Philippines’ Investment Fund Bill Draws Criticism
By Mong Palatino
A group of prominent economists claims that the Maharlika Investment Fund will draw much-needed cash away from other parts of government.
May 30, 2023
Cracks Appear in the Philippines’ Unity Government
By Mong Palatino
Recent events suggest that the Marcos-Duterte "UniTeam" that stormed last year's presidential election may not make it to the next election in 2028.
May 15, 2023
Philippines Undertakes Major Review of School Curriculum
By Mong Palatino
The Marcos administration wants to make major changes to an education system that is still recovering from the closures of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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