Realpolitik
Where these experts and political actors fail is precisely in realpolitik.
Trauma
The question was: How has the loss of your loved ones affected your lives? “I lost my grandfather,” replied an eight-year old boy who put on a stoic face. “He was the one left behind in the house with us to take care of us, so nanay could work, but now he’s gone.” “They killed my uncle, who was supporting my college education,” a tall lanky teenager chimed in. “I therefore had to stop schooling.” “I lost my parents, and it’s been really hard for us… ” began a 14-year-old girl who eventually broke down before she could finish her thought.
The dangers of political noise
Social media platforms were flooded with videos, photos, and texts supporting detained former President Rodrigo Duterte, demanding his immediate return from the International Criminal Court (ICC) to the Philippines.
Syria and BARMM, a history of violence
Marcos should watch out for violence. After all, this a region that saw conflict and violence for decades after the Philippines won its independence in 1946.
Postponing the BARMM elections
Senators have proposed to push back to 2026 the parliamentary elections in the volatile Muslim provinces to amend the law creating the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
