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Mong Palatino

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.

Posts by Mong Palatino
June 16, 2025

Philippine President Wants Police to Target Small-Time Drug Dealers

By Mong Palatino
Is Ferdinand Marcos Jr. preparing to restart his predecessor's violent "war on drugs"?

May 28, 2025

Philippine President Marcos Reshuffles Cabinet After Midterm Polls

By Mong Palatino
Following disappointing returns in the May 12 election, the Philippine leader has promised "renewed alignment, faster execution, and a results-first mindset.”
May 16, 2025

The Philippine Midterm Election Results Reflected the Country’s Political Polarization

By Mong Palatino
The results have set the scene for a similarly polarized battle during Vice President Sara Duterte's upcoming Senate impeachment trial.

May 12, 2025

Filipino Journalists Continue to Face Attacks Despite ‘Improved’ Media Situation

By Mong Palatino
Despite rising in RSF's latest World Press Freedom Index, the country is far from hospitable to independent or critical journalists.

May 02, 2025

Philippine Authorities Call Out Alleged Chinese Election Interference

By Mong Palatino
Intelligence agencies have warned that China-affiliated entities are "amplifying divisive political discourse” ahead of the midterm elections on May 12.

April 23, 2025

Disunity Within the Philippines’ First Family

By Mong Palatino
Senator Imee Marcos, the sister of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has thrown in her lot with his great rivals: the Dutertes.
April 11, 2025

Rodrigo Duterte’s Other Crimes in the Philippines

By Mong Palatino
The former Philippine president's crimes are much more extensive than those on the docket at the International Criminal Court.

March 24, 2025

Can Philippine President Marcos Survive the Wrath of the Dutertes?

By Mong Palatino
The economy may pose a more serious threat than the fulminations of the Mindanao-based political clan.

March 14, 2025

What’s Next for Philippine Politics After Duterte’s Arrest

By Mong Palatino
Both the Marcos and Duterte camps are actively promoting self-serving narratives about the ex-leader's extradition to The Hague.

March 07, 2025

No Filipino Journalist Killed in 2024, but Impunity Persists

By Mong Palatino
Despite improvements under President Marcos, the country remains a difficult – and sometimes dangerous – place to be a journalist.

February 27, 2025

Philippine Exit from Money-laundering ‘Grey List’ Marred by Allegations of Abuse  

By Mong Palatino
Human rights groups have accused the Philippine authorities of using money laundering and terrorist financing laws to clamp down on legitimate dissent.
February 16, 2025

Election Campaign Begins in the Philippines with Marcos-Duterte War of Words

By Mong Palatino
The conflict between the two prominent political clans has continued into the first week of campaigning for May's mid-term polls.

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