Vote buying, Mr. Duterte told a journalist as he emerged from casting his own ballot, is “integral” to elections in the Philippines. Mr. Duterte’s latest success now paves the way for him to extend his tenure beyond the existing one-term limit by redrawing the system altogether. In December, the House of Representatives approved various amendments to the Constitution that would move the Philippines toward greater federalism. All of this could be a long, drawn-out affair, but it may well happen before the next general election, in 2022, when Mr. Duterte’s term is set to expire. It seems that more and more, the people of the Philippines may well have the president they deserve.

Source: New York Times May 24, 2019 15:19 UTC