EXPERTS ADVISORY

The Philippines holds its presidential elections today with a cast of candidates that includes Rodrigo Duterte, the frontrunner known as “the Punisher”; Grace Poe, the daughter of a famous actor; current Vice President Jejomar Binay, whose family has run the Manila financial district for decades; and Mar Roxas, the outgoing president’s choice.

Experts at the University of Michigan can discuss various political issues, the presidential candidates, the election and its outcome. They are:

Allen Hicken, associate professor of political science, is currently in the Philippines monitoring the elections. His research areas include political parties and party systems in developing democracies and their role in policy making, particularly in the Philippines, Thailand and Cambodia.

“Controversial candidate Rodrigo Duterte is currently leading in the polls. Where does his support come from?” he said. “His supporters tend to be those who hold one or more of these four views: 1) Hometown Hero: Those from Davao and surrounding areas who support him as one of their own; 2) The Visayan: Those who like the idea of someone from outside Luzon becoming president; 3) The White Knight: Those who think the system is broken and corrupt and yearn for a strong outsider to come fix it all, even if he has to use harsh measures; and 4) The Problem Solver: Those who look at his record of reducing crime and improving life in Davao and think he could do the same thing at the national level.”

Contact: ahicken@umich.edu

John D. Ciorciari, assistant professor of public policy, focuses on Southeast Asia and examines foreign policy strategies, human rights and the reform of international economic institutions.
Contact: 734-615-6947, johncior@umich.edu