Country Profile
The Philippines began witnessing sustained economic growth and increased efforts to curb corruption during the six-year term of former President Benigno Aquino III, who ended his presidency in mid-2016. Long-time Davao City mayor, Rodrigo Duterte, won the 2016 election, which was characterised by a historic 82% turnout rate, and took office on June 30, 2016. His government aims to push forward major infrastructure investments to improve internal and external connectivity. Macroeconomic fundamentals have continued to improve, as has transparency, and the country’s biodiversity, natural resources and young demographics have been increasingly recognised as assets.
This chapter contains interviews with President Rodrigo Duterte; and Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General, ASEAN.
