The Philippines from Duterte to Marcos Jr: Change and Continuity

PHILIPPINE STUDIES PROGRAMME

About the Hybrid Seminar

Rodrigo Duterte’s rise and the Marcoses’ return to power have captivated Southeast Asia watchers and the rest of the world. That the spectacle of strongman rule has allured most Filipinos is no longer in doubt, with the strong electoral mandate garnered by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2022. Whether their capture of state power is connected and what this portends about the country’s democratic future is the key theme of this seminar. The speakers are Filipino academics and practitioners who will provide much needed analysis about this political succession and what it means for Asia’s oldest liberal democratic republic.

This seminar will discuss a wide array of policies and issues regarding Duterte’s legacies in Philippine politics and society and how these issues are configured in the Marcos Jr administration. Key topics include constitutional change, environmental policies, local politics & the COVID-19 response, foreign policy, and disinformation in elections. Overall, the seminar suggests that while some policies and practices continue under the Marcos Jr. administration, pivotal changes indicate a break from the past. The presentations will also focus on the implications of the widening rift between the Marcos and Duterte dynasties to Philippine politics in the midst of democratic backsliding, economic challenges, and societal polarization.

This seminar will also publicly launch the recently edited volume published by ISEAS titled Games, Changes, and Fears: The Philippines from Duterte to Marcos Jr. The speakers and the moderator of this seminar have contributed chapters to this book.

Building on the plenary discussions in the morning, the seminar will convene a closed-door session (by invitation only) that brings together researchers on the Philippines. It focuses
on sharing experiences and good practices in conducting research in the Philippines between local Filipino scholars and those who are based in Singapore and the rest of Southeast Asia. Participants will also discuss issues of ethics, safety, social and policy impact, and decoloniality. The discussion could also lead to future research collaboration and other initiatives to promote Philippine studies. Participation is by invitation only, and discussions will be conducted under the Chatham House Rule.

Details on the programme here.

About the Speakers

Panel 1: Domestic Politics & Policies

• Dr Maria Ela Atienza
• Dr Jan Robert Go
• Dr Ruth Lusterio-Rico

Panel 2: Disinformation & Social Issues

• Dr Charmaine Misalucha-Willoughby
• Dr Ma. Diosa Labiste
• Dr Jean Encinas-Franco

Moderator

• Dr Aries Arugay

Attending the Event In-person at ISEAS

To join the event in-person at ISEAS, please register via the ISEAS mobile app, available on iOS and Android via the Apple or Play store. Search “ISEAS” to find or scan this QR code.

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Seating capacity is limited. Do register early to avoid disappointment.

Attending the Event Virtually via Webinar

To join the event virtually at the specified date and time using your internet devices, please register here to receive your unique login link for the webinar via the zoom platform.

If you have questions for the speaker, please key in your questions via the Q&A, stating your name and affiliation. The moderator will field them to the speakers during the Q&A session.