Margaret Simons, a Walkley Award-winning journalist with deep expertise in Philippine politics, discusses the alarming tactics of political retribution seen in regimes like that of Rodrigo Duterte. She highlights the wrongful imprisonment of human rights activist Leila de Lima, who opposed Duterte’s brutal drug war, and the systemic corruption that allowed such abuses. As de Lima is finally released from prison, the conversation sheds light on the resilience needed to confront autocracy and the implications for democracy, echoing global political tensions.
Rodrigo Duterte's rise to power highlights the threats posed by populist leaders who utilize violence and misinformation against political opponents.
Leila de Lima's unjust imprisonment underscores the vulnerabilities faced by human rights advocates in authoritarian regimes where truth is manipulated.
Deep dives
The Rise of Rodrigo Duterte
Rodrigo Duterte emerged as a populist leader in the Philippines, gaining national prominence by promising to eradicate corruption and crime within a six-month timeline. His aggressive approach included a war on drugs that intimidated citizens, as he openly stated a willingness to kill drug dealers himself. This brutal stance was motivated by a desire to create a safer, investor-friendly environment, showcasing a calculated blend of charisma and ruthlessness in his political campaign. Duterte's actions set the stage for widespread violence and human rights violations, marking him as a controversial figure in modern governance.
Lila De Lima's Fight Against Corruption
Lila De Lima gained recognition as a staunch opponent of Duterte's drug war, initially serving as the head of the Human Rights Commission and later as a senator. Her efforts to investigate corruption included uncovering elaborate schemes in the prison system, where drug lords operated luxurious lifestyles, contradicting Duterte's claims of a crackdown on crime. Despite her commitment to upholding human rights, De Lima became a target of Duterte's regime, falsely accused of leading a drug syndicate, which illustrated the dramatic shift in narratives fueled by misinformation. This criminalization of her reputation exemplified the dangers faced by those who challenge authoritarian figures.
The Aftermath of Imprisonment and the Fight for Democracy
After nearly seven years of unjust imprisonment, Lila De Lima was released when the evidence against her crumbled, with witnesses withdrawing their statements and alleging coercion. Her release rekindled fears about the state of democracy in the Philippines, as she drew parallels between Duterte and other populist leaders worldwide, including Donald Trump. Despite her commitment to a reform agenda and a desire to combat political dynasties, De Lima faces challenges in gaining widespread support amidst lingering fears and misinformation about her past. The dynamics of Philippine politics remain complicated, with authentic governance struggling to penetrate a populace still swayed by populist rhetoric and misinformation.
What happens when you have a democratically elected leader who takes it upon themselves to prosecute their political opponents – as US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to do?
The Philippines is a far more corrupt system, but its former president Rodrigo Duterte is someone who did exactly that.
One such opponent was Leila de Lima – lawyer, politician and human rights activist who opposed Duterte’s death squads and corruption. As a result, she was falsely tarred as a drug lord and locked up for nearly seven years.
Today, Walkley Award-winning journalist Margaret Simons on Leila de Lima and why the Philippines is the canary in the coalmine for democracy.