Heightened Contradictions: Duterte and Local Autonomy in the Era of Covid-19
Author: Weena Jade Gera
Excerpt
Ensuing political dynamics, however, put into question the Executive’s motives in asserting control over SAP, and other donations, under the pretext of encouraging non-political means of dispensation, especially when the President simply announced that, “people who go hungry should go to their barangay captains.” Duterte’s assertions betray an intention to effectively monopolize patronage resources, direct citizen gratitude to the Palace as the ultimate patron, and yet deflect accountability to the local level when problems occur.