The Philippines’ Political Rollercoaster: A Nation Grapples with Disinformation and Dynastic Power
The political landscape of the Philippines has been a tumultuous one, marked by the rise and fall of powerful figures, the resurgence of old political families, and the pervasive influence of disinformation. The recent arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity related to his brutal drug war has sent shockwaves through the nation, even as he remains a popular figure and is expected to win a mayoral election from his prison cell. This arrest comes on the heels of the 2022 presidential election, a pivotal moment captured in Ramona S. Diaz’s new documentary, "And So It Begins," which premieres on PBS’s Independent Lens. The film offers a compelling look at the complex interplay of political dynasties, popular movements, and the corrosive impact of fake news in shaping the country’s future.
Diaz’s documentary centers around the 2022 election, which saw Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, ascend to the presidency. Marcos Jr.’s victory, alongside his running mate Sara Duterte, daughter of Rodrigo Duterte, initially seemed to solidify a powerful alliance between two of the Philippines’ most influential families. However, this partnership quickly fractured, with Sara Duterte now facing impeachment charges, including accusations of plotting to assassinate Marcos Jr. Diaz suggests that Marcos Jr. may have cooperated with the ICC’s arrest of Duterte to neutralize a potential rival, demonstrating the intricate power struggles within the Philippine political elite. This move, however, carries the risk of turning Duterte into a political martyr, further complicating the already volatile political scene.
The 2022 election also highlighted the enduring appeal of populist figures and the challenges faced by those advocating for democratic reforms. Diaz’s film follows the campaign of Leni Robredo, the former vice president who ran against Marcos Jr. Robredo, often marginalized by Duterte during his presidency, mounted a grassroots campaign that gained significant momentum, drawing massive crowds of pink-clad supporters. However, her efforts were ultimately unsuccessful against the combined force of the Marcos and Duterte political machinery, underscoring the deep-seated influence of these families in Philippine politics. The film captures the vibrant energy of Robredo’s movement, juxtaposing it with the well-oiled, spectacle-driven campaigns of her opponents.
The resurgence of the Marcos family has been a particularly jarring development for many Filipinos who lived through the oppressive years of martial law under Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Diaz, who grew up under martial law, expresses her disbelief at Marcos Jr.’s election, reflecting a sentiment shared by many who witnessed the People Power Revolution that ousted the Marcos regime in 1986. She notes the Marcos family’s persistent efforts to rewrite history and rehabilitate their image, a process aided by the inadequate teaching of history in schools and the rise of social media. This historical revisionism has allowed the Marcos years to be portrayed by some as a "golden age," obscuring the human rights abuses and corruption that characterized the regime.
The role of social media and disinformation is a recurring theme in Diaz’s work. Her previous film, "A Thousand Cuts," explored the rise of online disinformation in the Philippines, focusing on the work of journalist Maria Ressa, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to combat fake news. "And So It Begins" further explores this theme, showing how disinformation played out in real time during the 2022 election. Diaz argues that the Philippines’ experience offers a cautionary tale for other democracies grappling with the spread of misinformation. She emphasizes the need for immediate and sustained pushback against false narratives and the importance of protecting the integrity of facts in the face of online manipulation.
The parallels between the political climate in the Philippines and the rise of disinformation in other countries, including the United States, are striking. Ressa herself has drawn comparisons between the Duterte administration and the Trump administration, highlighting the rapid spread of disinformation and the erosion of trust in traditional media. Diaz echoes this concern, noting the similarities between the political tactics employed in both countries. She emphasizes the urgency of defending democratic values and fighting for the truth in an era of rampant misinformation. Despite the challenges, Diaz maintains her faith in democracy, expressing her belief in the importance of active engagement and the power of citizens to hold their leaders accountable. Her film serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the constant vigilance required to protect them.