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.
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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