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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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.
July 14, 2023
Philippines Allows ‘Barbie’ Film Screening Amid ‘9-Dash-Line’ Controversy
By Mong Palatino
The move followed a decision by Vietnamese censors to bar the distribution of the film for allegedly depicting the Chinese maritime claim.
July 07, 2023
Philippines’ New Tourism Ad Draws Flak
By Mong Palatino
The advertisement, a showcase of the country's new "Love the Philippines" slogan, contained stock photos from other countries.
June 23, 2023
Philippine Senate Probes Afghan Refugee Deal
By Mong Palatino
A proposal to resettle 50,000 refugees, mostly former employees of the U.S. government in Afghanistan, has stirred up a political controversy.
June 14, 2023
Philippines’ Investment Fund Bill Draws Criticism
By Mong Palatino
A group of prominent economists claims that the Maharlika Investment Fund will draw much-needed cash away from other parts of government.
May 30, 2023
Cracks Appear in the Philippines’ Unity Government
By Mong Palatino
Recent events suggest that the Marcos-Duterte "UniTeam" that stormed last year's presidential election may not make it to the next election in 2028.
May 15, 2023
Philippines Undertakes Major Review of School Curriculum
By Mong Palatino
The Marcos administration wants to make major changes to an education system that is still recovering from the closures of the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 25, 2023
Local Leaders Question Expanded US Military Presence in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
Several legislators and local officials said they support the expansion of EDCA, but some of the president’s allies have raised questions about it.
April 03, 2023
Mining, Oil Spill, Military Bases Threaten Philippine Islands
By Mong Palatino
News about anti-mining protests and a massive oil spill reflects the rising concern about the rapid destruction of island ecosystems across the Philippines.
March 15, 2023
Alarming Pattern of Killings Continues in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
This year has seen a series of armed ambushes of local government officials. Meanwhile, the "war on drugs" continues.
March 03, 2023
Marcos Allies Set to Approve Charter Change in Philippine Congress
By Mong Palatino
The Philippine Congress is pushing forward with a plan for a constitutional convention, despite a long history of public opposition to amendments.
February 22, 2023
The Philippines’ Basic Education Crisis
By Mong Palatino
Out of the country's 327,000-odd school buildings, less than a third are in good condition, according to government figures.