Filipino Journalists’ Struggle: From Duterte Populism to Marcosian Nostalgia

On 27 February 2024, Christian Esguerra, a political journalist and an educator, examined the situation of the Philippine press under Marcos Jr. after enduring six years under Duterte, who shut down the country’s largest network of free TV and radio, and consistently threatened and harassed critics, including journalists over their critical reporting. 

Esguerra explained that the victory of Bongbong Marcos Jr. brought trepidation among Filipinos hoping for change following the highly disruptive and divisive presidency of Rodrigo Duterte. Among journalists, there were concerns as well, the main question being: Will Marcos Jr. be any different from Duterte in dealing with media? 

This seminar was presented jointly with the Department of Political and Social Change, Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, ANU.