Political dynasties, business, and poverty in the Philippines

Despite studies finding a link between political dynasty prevalence and poverty, empirical evidence in the Philippines shows that the relationship between dynastic concentration and underdevelopment is not the same across regions. We argue that an independent economic elite and high levels of economic activity, typically foundin Luzon, affect the poverty and development impact of political dynasties. Local socioeconomic contexts shape the opportunities for predatory behavior among politicians and their relationships with economic elites. Using novel survey data on business-government linkages as well as an extensive dataset on local government leadership in the Philippines spanning 2004 to 2016, we find that political dynasties exacerbate poverty in the resource-rich non-Luzon provinces but not in Luzon where there is a competitive business environment. <br/

Political Dynasties, Business, and Poverty in the Philippines

Despite studies finding a link between political dynasty prevalence and poverty; empirical evidence in the Philippines shows that the relationship between dynastic concentration and underdevelopment is not the same across regions. We argue that an independent economic elite and high levels of economic activity; typically found in Luzon; affect the poverty and development impact of political dynasties. Local socioeconomic contexts shape the opportunities for predatory behavior among politicians and their relationships with economic elites. Using novel survey data on business-government linkages as well as an extensive dataset on local government leadership in the Philippines spanning 2004 to 2016; we find that political dynasties exacerbate poverty in the resource-rich non-Luzon provinces but not in Luzon where there is a competitive business environment

President Rodrigo Duterte on Year 3

Since his election in 2016, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has faced several challenges like the Marawi siege and the continuing Chinese encroachment in the West Philippine Sea. This article examines the major economic and political issues the Duterte administration has dealt with, as well as the accomplishments and failures of the administration in the past three years. It presents a brief analysis of the economic situation in the country and a discussion on the anti-drugs campaign and federalism initiative. The article concludes by expounding on the possible scenarios moving forward, especially on the president’s reform agenda, in light of the results of the 2019 midterm elections

Unpacking Presidential Satisfaction: Insights from Survey Data on Philippine Presidents

Notwithstanding their widespread use in many modern democracies, surveys on leadership satisfaction have generated much debate, regarding the possible factors driving public opinion. As a contribution to the literature, this study empirically examines data on Philippine presidential net satisfaction generated by well-established survey firms in that country, as well as a unique survey commissioned by the authors of this study. Using both macro- and microlevel data, this study unpacks the links between survey results on citizens’ satisfaction with leadership and policies in the Philippines to try and advance our understanding of the possible factors that may drive them. This study finds scant evidence that economic links are tied to presidential satisfaction, despite the primacy of the economy in Philippine surveys of key policy issues. Instead, there is evidence of herd behavior and partial evidence of disinformation possibly linked to presidential net satisfaction. The findings here suggest there should be more caution in interpreting presidential satisfaction indicators

Exploring the Correlates of Presidential Satisfaction in the Philippines using the Misery Index

Notwithstanding their widespread use in many modern democracies; surveys on leadership satisfaction have generated much debate regarding the possible factors driving public opinion. As a contribution to the literature; this study empirically examines data on Philippine presidential net satisfaction generated by the Social Weather Stations; one of the most well-established survey firms in the archipelagic country. Using Presidential Net Satisfaction data from 1998 to 2019; this study aims to show the links (or lack thereof) between survey results on citizens\u27 satisfaction with leadership on one hand; and objective and subjective indicators of economic well-being on the other. This study finds scant evidence that economic variables such as inflation and unemployment are tied to presidential satisfaction; despite the primacy of the economy in Philippine surveys of key policy issues

The Policy Environment of Self-Care: A Case Study of the Philippines

Self-care is the ability and empowerment of individuals to maintain health through informed health-care decisions, with or without the support of a health provider. High-income countries have made advances to their conceptualization, research and institutionalization of self-care, given its reported benefits to patients, the health system and economy. A similar undertaking in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with already fragile health systems is warranted as highlighted by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Our article therefore aimed to describe and analyse the policy environment of self-care using the Philippines as a case study, which may have relevance to other similar countries and settings that are transitioning towards Universal Health Care (UHC) to reform and strengthen their primary care systems. We conducted 13 key informant interviews and 2 focus group discussions among representatives from the government, the pharmaceutical retail/industry, community retail pharmacy, primary health physicians and health workers, an infirmary administrator and patients and/or patient advocates. We triangulated our qualitative data with findings from our policy review. We found a total of 13 relevant policies on self-care in the Philippines recently drafted and/or implemented from 2016 to 2021 that fall under the broad categories of unifying frameworks and road maps, capacity building and institutional streamlining, regulations and disease guidelines. Our case study highlights the role of the UHC Law as a driver for self-care and patient empowerment towards better health outcomes with its passage resulting in the promulgation of self-care-related policies. Our findings also suggest that changes in the local policy and built environment, and the formal educational and health systems, are needed to foster a culture of responsible self-care. There are notable exemplars in advancing self-care in the region, including Thailand, from which LMICs like the Philippines can draw lessons to make progress on institutionalizing self-care and, ultimately, realizing UHC and Health For All

Unpacking Presidential Satisfaction: Preliminary Insights from Survey Data on the Bottom Poor in Metro Manila

Measures of presidential satisfaction have long been in the public’s attention, but the factors that drive them have brought about much discussion. As a contribution to the literature, this study empirically examines presidential approval data in the Philippines using a unique survey of 1200 low-income voting age residents of Metro Manila. Using individual-level data, this study unpacks the possible factors underpinning survey results on citizens’ satisfaction with leadership in the Philippines. While accounting for the personal circumstances of the respondents, this study finds evidence of bandwagoning among survey respondents; and partial evidence of personal economic conditions and disinformation possibly linked to presidential satisfaction. The findings here suggest there should be more caution in interpreting presidential satisfaction indicators