The assault on the rule of law and the descent into despotism

Within weeks of assuming power in June 2016 as the President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte has engaged in a systematic and widespread assault on the rule of law not seen in the Philippines since the time of Marcos and the martial law years. Who would have thought that despotism would creep in 30 years after Marcos was ousted in the People Power Revolution of 1986 and so soon after Duterte took office? Crucially why is this happening and what should be done about it? This short essay examines the rule of law and constitutionalism, and the Philippine descent into despotism, and begins by providing a factual background of the assault on the rule of law. It suggests an explanation as to why the Philippines is spiralling into despotism, and what should be done about it.