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.

Investigative journalist Margaret Simons uncovers the downfall of China Matters, a key think tank, due to anti-China politicians called the Wolverines. They discuss defunding, accusations of espionage, and the government's response to alternative viewpoints on China.