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.
July 13, 2020
How Duterte’s Anti-Terror Law Unleashed Public Outrage Against His Leadership
By Mong Palatino
With an ongoing pandemic and economic turmoil, many in the Philippines were enraged that the government prioritized passing an anti-terror law.
June 01, 2020
China’s Clandestine Gamble in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or POGO employ and cater largely to Chinese.
May 09, 2020
China’s COVID-19 Diplomacy Backfires in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
A music video ode to “friendly neighbors across the sea” can’t patch over growing discontent with China in the Philippines.
April 20, 2020
What Is Bogging Down the Philippines’ COVID-19 Response?
By Mong Palatino
A handful of senators urged Duterte to dismiss Health Secretary Duque and the country’s top economist resigned, citing differences in development philosophy.
November 28, 2018
What the Neverending Imelda Marcos Case Means for Philippine Politics
By Mong Palatino
The issue has significant implications for how the country deals with its past and confronts its future.
October 06, 2018
Is There Really a New Duterte Coup Plot in the Philippines?
By Mong Palatino
A recent wave of speculation risks conflating actual legitimate opposition with potential and unproven coup attempts.
August 27, 2018
Duterte Is Killing the Philippines' Environment
By Mong Palatino
A closer look at yet another troubling aspect of the president’s record.
August 01, 2018
Is the Congress Coup in the Philippines a Threat to Duterte?
By Mong Palatino
The development could have important implications for Duterte’s remaining time in office and Philippine politics more generally.
July 12, 2018
Why the Philippines’ New Anti-Terror Law Would Be a Blow to Rights
By Mong Palatino
Critics fear amendments could trample liberties and further enable a descent into dictatorial rule.
June 27, 2018
Duterte’s Anti-Women Behavior Sparks the Philippines’ Own #MeToo Moment
By Mong Palatino
A recent social media campaign in the country is a further sign of growing opposition against the president.
April 03, 2018
The Trouble With Duterte's New Terror List
By Mong Palatino
The move has raised more questions than it has offered answers.
March 07, 2018
How ASEAN Strongmen Use Legal Reform to Weaken Democracy
By Mong Palatino
Hun Sen and Rodrigo Duterte show that constitutional reform remains a favorite tool of the region's power-hungry leaders.
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