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 23, 2024
A Proposed Law Seeks to Ban Political Dynasties in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
The 1987 Constitution explicitly prohibits political dynasticism, but an enabling law has never been passed.
June 26, 2024
Can Vice President Sara Duterte Lead the Philippine Opposition?
By Mong Palatino
Following her resignation from the Cabinet, Duterte may struggle to become the focal point of a broad anti-Marcos coalition.
June 11, 2024
Duterte’s Ironic Free Speech Advocacy in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
The war of words between the Duterte and Marcos clans has made the former president an unlikely – and unconvincing – champion of free expression.
May 27, 2024
What the Senate Coup Reveals About Philippine Politics
By Mong Palatino
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri is out, reportedly for opposing a proposal to amend the Philippine Constitution.
May 03, 2024
The Marcos-Duterte Rift Widens in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
For the first time, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos has spoken out about the growing tensions between the two political clans.
April 22, 2024
What’s in the Philippines’ Luzon Corridor?
By Mong Palatino
The Philippines' largest island has become the focus of U.S. and Japanese attempts to counter China's growing power in the South China Sea.
April 05, 2024
Ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s ‘Gentleman’s Agreement’ with China Under Scrutiny
By Mong Palatino
Did the former president broker an informal deal with the Chinese government over the South China Sea?
March 25, 2024
Ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Leads ‘Prayer Rallies’ Against Charter Change
By Mong Palatino
As mid-term elections approach, the rift between the Duterte and Marcos clans continues to widen.
March 06, 2024
Philippine Legislators Mull ‘Economic Charter Change’
By Mong Palatino
Political divisions are opening up over a plan to overhaul the 1987 Constitution to allow more foreign ownership in local industries.
February 21, 2024
UN Expert Cites Need for Legal Reforms in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
The U.N. special rapporteur noted some improvements under the Marcos administration, but “not sufficient to turn the page decisively on the past.”
February 08, 2024
Are the Dutertes the New Opposition in the Philippines?
By Mong Palatino
Despite their recent tensions with President Marcos and his allies, the Dutertes have not yet fully cut their ties with the ruling coalition.
January 29, 2024
Censorship, AI, Disinformation, and Repression Undermine Asia’s Elections
By Mong Palatino
Old forms of repression, fortified by new technologies, have altered the political atmosphere across the region.
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