Issue 14: Myanmar

The Decline of a Presidency?

Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino had a good run since his election in 2010; he has been one of the most consistently popular presidents since the country’s redemocratization in 1986, but his popularity hit the buffers in 2013. Seemingly struggling with PR missteps and crumbling political capital, Aquino seems to lack the charisma or ‘popular touch’ to deflect mounting criticism. As the public sentiment gradually turns it gives rise to the question: “What kind of disillusionment will set in when the touted messiah of Philippine politics fails to save?”