Written for The Diplomat
A specter is haunting Philippine politics today: the specter of gambling, which is being linked to youth addiction, unethical use of public funds, money laundering, kidnapping, and murder.
It is unlikely that online gambling will be totally banned by a government desperate for revenues. This means gambling money will continue to affect governance in the same way jueteng and POGOs influenced politics in the past. The moral arguments against gambling are compelling, and people really need to channel their energies and resources into more productive endeavors. The challenge for the government is to rally people behind effective and long-term nation-building initiatives by creating jobs, supporting industries, offering livelihood opportunities, and democratizing political participation.
Marcos wants police to target small-time drug dealers
Written for The Diplomat
Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has directed the police to intensify operations against small-time drug dealers, raising concerns about a revival of the bloody anti-drug campaign of the previous Rodrigo Duterte administration.
It is revealing that Marcos refocused the anti-drug campaign after the underwhelming electoral performance of the administration coalition in the recently concluded midterm polls. His supporters could spin it as proof that he is sensitive to public sentiment, but mimicking Duterte’s narrative of making the streets safer could also reflect a desperate attempt to win over constituents and prevent a rival political dynasty from making a comeback in the 2028 elections.