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.
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November 17, 2023
Ex-Philippine President Duterte Makes Another Threat After Receiving Subpoena
By Mong Palatino
The former leader has been summoned to appear at a court in Quezon City next month.
November 08, 2023
‘Destabilization’ and Disunity in the Philippine Government
By Mong Palatino
Turbulence in Congress and allegations of dissent among the military leadership have undermined President Marcos' "unity" administration.
November 02, 2023
Ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Sued Over ‘Grave Threats’
By Mong Palatino
The case, filed by Representative France Castro over threats made Rodrigo Duterte on his TV program, will be a crucial test of the country's judicial system.
October 26, 2023
Philippines ‘Suspends’ Its Sovereign Investment Fund
By Mong Palatino
It is highly unusual for a government to cancel such a high-priority project. What prompted its decision?
October 18, 2023
Marcos Allies Quarrel Over Confidential Funds in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
The controversy over the use of the special funds has opened up rifts within the Marcos "unity government."
October 06, 2023
Philippine Vice President Defends Use of Confidential Funds
By Mong Palatino
Sara Duterte's opponents accuse her of improperly using confidential and intelligence funds, or CIFs, which are not subjected to standard auditing rules.
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.