The Incomplete ‘People Power’ Revolution Boosted Duterte’s Rise
NOVANEWS
By: Cleve Kevin Robert Arguelles, University of the Philippines
President Rodrigo Duterte, then a candidate, speaks in front of a communist rebel group New People's Army (NPA) flag during the release of five policemen held by the rebels for a week, in Davao city, southern Philippines, April 25, 2016. | Photo: Reuters
The election of Duterte may be seen as the nadir, but possibly also a turning point, in the long-standing democratic deficit in Asia’s oldest democracy.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has confirmed that he killed three men during his time as mayor of Davao city, despite officials trying to downplay an earlier admission. Duterte’s comments might yet hurt his popularity but that seems unlikely.
Duterte’s national crusade has resulted in an alarming daily av...