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When Growth Outpaces Accountability: Political Volatility in the Philippines

The Philippines’ political landscape is defined by sharp swings in civil liberties that correspond to changes in presidential leadership rather than formal rule changes. Family‑based dynastic networks and clientelistic coalitions amplify these shifts, producing periods of illiberal governance under leaders like Rodrigo Duterte and potential reversals under more institutionally minded presidents. Despite this volatility, the country’s economy has shown steady growth, driven largely by overseas Filipino worker remittances that have lowered inequality and sustained consumption. Institutional pillars such as the professional military and an independent judiciary have helped contain political turbulence from escalating into authoritarian collapse.