Populism could affect Philippines economic policy

Significance

Duterte wants to amend the constitution for various reasons, one being to aid foreign investment to further economic development. Comments by Duterte on November 23 also suggest that his administration could take more interventionist economic measures, which may particularly affect the energy and telecommunications sectors, to support economic development though greater competition.

Impacts

• Energy sector liberalisation could help ease Philippine power shortages and benefit industry.
• Lowering telecommunication and energy prices, and improving these sectors' performance, would further boost Duterte politically.
• Vested interests inside and outside congress could resist constitutional reform efforts.