Southeast Asia Speaks: Political scientist Mark Thompson on the Philippines under Duterte

President Rodrigo Duterte enters his final year in office still surrounded by high-profile controversies – from the high number of deaths under his war on drugs, to the problematic handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

And yet, he remains to be a popular leader.

On Wednesday, June 30, Rappler editor-at-large Marites Vitug speaks to political scientist Mark Thompson about the past five years under Duterte and what the final year may have in store for the President.

Thompson is a professor of politics at the City University of Hong Kong and director of the university’s Southeast Asia Research Center. His research interests include democracy, authoritarianism, and political dynasties in Asia.

Catch the interview live at 11:30 am on Wednesday. – Rappler.com

Watch previous Southeast Asia Speaks episodes:

• Marine scientist Deo Onda on protecting West PH Sea resources
• Walden Bello on Rodrigo Duterte and fascism
• Analyst Joshua Kurlantzick on what ASEAN can do vs Myanmar coup
• Analyst Ben Bland on China’s pandemic diplomacy
• Antonio Carpio on West PH Sea and leading a political movement
• Lawyer Ruben Carranza on what new ICC prosecutor means for the Philippines
• Journalist Gwen Robinson on the future of Myanmar
• Ambassador Gerard Ho Wei Hong on Singapore’s leadership during COVID-19 pandemic