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Marcos Backs Amending Economic Provisions, Warns Against Secession

  Introduction In May 2022, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was elected president of the Philippines in a landslide victory, taking over 31 million votes. Marcos Jr., commonly referred to as "Bongbong", is the son and namesake of the country's former authoritarian ruler Ferdinand Marcos Sr. who was ousted in 1986 through the People Power Revolution. Marcos Jr. campaigned on a message of unity, promising to uplift the lives of poor Filipinos and restore trust in government. His win marked a political comeback for the Marcos family, who have regained popularity in recent years despite allegations of plundering billions of dollars from state coffers during the elder Marcos' 20-year rule. Now embarking on his 6-year presidential term, Marcos Jr. aims to bring economic progress while consolidating his family's power. He faces high public expectations along with concerns over human rights, corruption, and the Marcos family legacy. Marcos' Views on Charter Change President Ferd...
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No to Cha-Cha: Marcos Jr. Shuts Down Push for Constitutional Reform

  Introduction Sedition laws in the Philippines date back to the early 20th century, when the country was under American colonial rule. The current sedition law, Article 142 of the Revised Penal Code, was enacted in 1930 under US Governor-General Dwight F. Davis. This provision makes it a crime to engage in "speeches, proclamations, writings or emblems" aimed at undermining the government or depriving the state of its legitimate authority. Penalties range from a minimum of 6 years and 1 day to a maximum of 12 years imprisonment. Sedition charges have frequently been used against critics of sitting presidents and their policies throughout Philippine history. From the martial law years under Ferdinand Marcos to the Arroyo and Aquino administrations, journalists, activists and opposition leaders have faced allegations of sedition. Under President Rodrigo Duterte, sedition complaints have made a resurgence as a tool to suppress dissent. Critics allege the administration has weapo...
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