My message to international press: We need to de-exoticize the Philippines. It may seem peculiar why Filipinos are voting for strongmen’s children, but the logic is familiar to many countries, including ‘advanced’ democracies. #TheFilipinoVotes 1/3 https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/philippines-to-see-a-marcos-back-in-power/13872866

Why do people ignore climate change? Because they get material (and electoral!?) rewards for ignoring it. Why do people not care about refugees? Because they do not want other people's suffering to disrupt their fairly comfortable lives. 2/3

To understand the Philippines, we need to understand the pervasive culture of denialism. Many people, including those in ‘advanced' democracies choose to look the other way when realities aren’t comfortable. People ignore atrocities when it suits their interests. 3/3