Indeed, Mr Duterte has shifted power politics in the region, by default or design, as no Asean leaders have done before. Mr Duterte has a lightning rod in his hands, which he can use anytime. For Mr Duterte, it is clear he has no desire to invite the United States back to the great powers' game again. Chaired by the Philippines, Asean centrality has been strengthened simply because Mr Duterte decided to opt for cooperation rather than confrontation. For instance, issues related to gender, women and the environment, youth development and disaster-health management were much debated under Mr Duterte.

Source: Bangkok Post November 13, 2017 21:45 UTC