The 2022 Philippine Elections: A Continuation Of The Duterte Era?

3 min read Post on May 15, 2025

The 2022 Philippine Elections: A Continuation of the Duterte Era?

The 2022 Philippine elections marked a pivotal moment in the nation's history, ushering in a new era under President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. But was it truly a new beginning, or a continuation of the policies and political style established by his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte? This question remains central to understanding the Philippines' current trajectory.

The landslide victory of Marcos Jr., son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., surprised many international observers. His campaign, while largely devoid of concrete policy proposals, successfully tapped into a potent mix of nostalgia, carefully curated social media narratives, and a tacit endorsement of Duterte's legacy. This raises the crucial question: to what extent does Marcos Jr.’s presidency reflect a continuation of the Duterte era?

Echoes of Duterte's "War on Drugs":

One of the most striking continuities is the approach to the controversial "war on drugs." While Marcos Jr. has not explicitly endorsed the brutality that characterized Duterte's campaign, his administration has shown little indication of significantly altering its course. Human rights organizations remain deeply concerned about the ongoing extrajudicial killings and the lack of accountability for past abuses. This suggests a continuation of the harsh, often violent, approach to law enforcement that defined Duterte's presidency. [Link to Human Rights Watch report on Philippine drug war]

Economic Policies: Continuity or Change?

Economically, the picture is more nuanced. While Marcos Jr. has pledged to focus on economic recovery and job creation, many of his economic advisors are linked to the Duterte administration. This raises concerns that the focus on large-scale infrastructure projects, often criticized for a lack of transparency and environmental impact, will continue. Furthermore, the reliance on foreign investment, a hallmark of Duterte's economic policy, seems likely to persist. However, the global economic climate presents a significant challenge, potentially forcing a deviation from previous strategies.

The Role of Social Media and Disinformation:

Duterte's presidency saw the rise of highly effective disinformation campaigns on social media platforms. This trend continued during the 2022 elections, with both Marcos Jr. and his opponents engaging in online battles characterized by the spread of misinformation and the targeting of dissenting voices. The challenge of combating fake news and protecting democratic discourse remains a significant hurdle for the Marcos Jr. administration, reflecting a troubling continuity from the previous era. [Link to article on disinformation in Philippine elections]

Shifting Political Alliances:

While certain policy approaches might echo Duterte's rule, the shift in political alliances is noteworthy. The Marcos Jr. administration has cultivated different relationships with both domestic and international actors. This suggests that while some policies may remain consistent, the political landscape is evolving, creating a dynamic interplay between continuity and change.

Conclusion: A Complex Legacy

The 2022 Philippine elections did not mark a clean break from the Duterte era. Significant continuities exist in areas such as law enforcement, economic priorities, and the use of social media. However, the changing political alliances and the challenges of a new global landscape suggest a complex interplay of continuity and adaptation. The true extent of the Marcos Jr. presidency’s divergence from his predecessor's legacy remains to be seen, necessitating continued observation and critical analysis. The future of the Philippines hangs in the balance, shaped by this intricate dance between the past and the present.

Keywords: Philippine Elections 2022, Bongbong Marcos, Rodrigo Duterte, Philippine Politics, Human Rights Philippines, Philippine Economy, Disinformation, Social Media Philippines, War on Drugs Philippines, Political Continuity

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