Prof. Ruth Lusterio-Rico published a book chapter entitled, “The Philippines in 2023: Post-pandemic Challenges and Fraying Political Alliance” in Southeast Asian Affairs 2024, published by ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute.
The abstract reads:
This chapter reviews the key political and economic developments in the Philippines in 2023, focusing on the weakening of the ruling political alliance established when Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and Sara Duterte ran for president and vice-president in 2022. In 2023, the Philippines continued to face significant economic challenges, especially the surge in the prices of basic commodities and utilities, alongside high rates of unemployment and underemployment. The popularity of the country’s top two politicians were apparently affected by these economic challenges as their approval and trust ratings declined considerably by the third quarter of the year. The railroading of the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund called the Maharlika Investment Fund, the rejection of the confidential funds requested by the vice-president, the brewing conflict between the vice-president and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the release of former senator Leila De Lima, who was detained under the Duterte administration, were among the key political developments that significantly impact the unity of the ruling political coalition.
Access the chapter here: https://bookshop.iseas.edu.sg/publication/7910