Constitutional Changes and Political Tensions
There is an ongoing rift between President Marcos Jr. and former President Duterte over proposed constitutional changes.
Targeting of Local Officials
There is a high level of violence targeting local officials in the Philippines, particularly in rural areas outside of close institutional surveillance.
Communist Insurgency and Peace Talks
The Philippine government and communist rebels have been engaged in a 50-year conflict that has killed over 40,000 people.
Human Rights Abuses
The human rights situation in the Philippines has deteriorated under President Duterte’s “war on drugs“, with thousands of extrajudicial killings by police and unidentified gunmen.
Inflation and Cost of Living
Inflation has become a more prominent political issue, with public worries about rising prices of fuel, food and potential transport fare hikes.