By Mynardo Macaraig, AFP MANILA, May 10, 2016 – The election of Rodrigo Duterte as Philippine president marks the latest victory for populist politics, as voters around the world reward candiates offering simple solutions to complex problems. In a country beset by crime, poverty, and corruption, Duterte promised voters a raft of quick fixes that many analysts believe will remain empty promises. Supporters of Presidential frontrunner Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte unfold a giant Philippines flag as they start to crowd Duterte’s venue for his ‘Miting de Abanse’ in front of the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Saturday afternoon. (JOHN JEROME GANZON) One of his main campaign pledges was to completely eradicate crime within six months. Foul-mouthed tirades have only added to the appeal of his plug-and-play solutions for a broken economy and a bankrupt society, echoing in some ways the simplistic sloganeering of presidential hopeful Donald Trump in the [...]
