Years from now, historians assessing the presidency of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will inevitably compare him with his father. One contrast may stand out. Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s regime became globally known for repression and plunder. His son’s presidency may be remembered for something quite different: authorizing the arrest and surrender of his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, … Read more
We have all heard of young, happily married couples who met online. In a way, this is the digital equivalent of what once seemed adventurous enough: finding a pen pal and maybe a lifelong partner through the classified ads of newspapers and magazines. Those small notices usually offered little more than age, occupation, hobbies, and … Read more
Exactly a month ago today, I turned 80. It was an event I didn’t expect to feel any different from my previous birthdays. But thanks to my fellow Inquirer columnist Ambeth Ocampo, who devoted an entire column to the lunch my sisters prepared at our childhood home in Betis, I received a lot more greetings … Read more
We are familiar with the idea of a caretaker government—an interim leadership that exists mainly to keep things in place, maintain stability, and avoid risks that might unsettle the prevailing order. When this minimalist approach comes to characterize nearly the whole political system, however, we may speak more broadly of caretaker politics. This is where … Read more
Over the eight decades since the end of the Second World War, an international order gradually took shape in which individual nations, large and small, could find their place and pursue development under a shared framework of rules. Through international bodies, treaties, and norms, countries were given at least a fighting chance to flourish. The … Read more
Born shortly after the end of the World War II, my generation has long considered itself fortunate not to have known, let alone fought in, a world war. But no one can be sure anymore how long this fragile peace can endure. My sense is that the major powers are again sleepwalking toward war in … Read more
The year 2025 will likely be remembered as a turning point in our nation’s history—a moment when corruption reached such magnitude that it could no longer be concealed or excused. Its scale and consequences became so damaging to the public good that denial itself ceased to be plausible. For decades, corruption in public office had … Read more