Rough ride likely for Duterte in second half of presidency

Analysts say Philippine leader yet to make major legislative changes despite popularity

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. PHOTO: REUTERS
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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is halfway through his six-year term.

He managed to pluck some low-hanging fruits: tax reforms meant to beef up the government's purse, a law creating an autonomous Muslim region, free public college education, free irrigation, universal healthcare, a 1,000 peso (S$26) pension hike for senior citizens and easing of curbs on rice imports.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 12, 2019, with the headline Rough ride likely for Duterte in second half of presidency. Subscribe