Philippines Under President Duterte

Questions and Answers

A mixed picture of change, continuity, and regression

Undoubtedly disturbing

Democratic backsliding

The complex dynamics contributing to democratic backsliding in the Philippines Signup and view all the answers

Cultural factors, religious beliefs, colonial legacies, socioeconomic conditions, and institutional factors Signup and view all the answers

Then president Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law Signup and view all the answers

Produce real and rapid improvements in the lives of Filipinos Signup and view all the answers

Because of his brutal war on drugs and controversial statements Signup and view all the answers

Embracing China and distancing from the United States Signup and view all the answers

It has been characterized by a mix of change, continuity, and regression Signup and view all the answers

Ferdinand Marcos and Corazon Aquino Signup and view all the answers

The U.S. should provide more robust support for democracy in the Philippines Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Two and a half years into his presidency, Duterte's track record is mixed with elements of change, continuity, and regression.
Human rights and democracy have been negatively impacted, with the government running roughshod over human rights, political opponents, and democratic institutions.

The Philippines' powerful presidency and malleable political institutions have led to significant democratic backsliding.
This has happened through nominally legal means, with limited pushback from groups and institutions opposed to strongman rule.

Liberal democracy has struggled to become deeply rooted in the Philippines due to cultural, religious, colonial, socioeconomic, and institutional factors.
The country has a history of flawed economic policymaking, poor governance, and armed insurgency.

Democracy was dispensed with in favor of dictatorship from 1972 to 1986 under President Ferdinand Marcos.
In 1986, Corazon Aquino championed the restoration of democracy.

Rodrigo Duterte became internationally known for his war on drugs, controversial statements, and foreign policy decisions.
His administration's broader policy agenda, approach to politics and governance, and impact on democratic institutions have received less attention.