Arroyo, goaded by civil society to throw Estrada in jail, had to turn to the military to protect her when an urban insurrection almost succeeded in freeing him. To put an end to the wild swings of the pendulum between populism and reform, the application of force, in defiance of public opinion, whether domestic or foreign, is required. This means that 2018 is a make-or-break year for that coalition. Its best hope, as a successor to protect the current culprits and restore some measure of basic competence, is unelectable as president: Gloria Arroyo. The Speaker, in ramming through the biggest story for 2018 – Charter change – can plan for a showdown with Arroyo after the position of prime minister is established.

Source: The Nation Bangkok January 03, 2018 18:00 UTC