Filipino Voting Behavior and the Degradation of Women’s Rights: The Philippines Under Two Prominent Populist Leaders, Rodrigo Duterte and Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Although the Philippines is praised for its outstanding performance in promoting and protecting gender equality, the country still has areas for continued development (Anonuevo, 2000). This study will investigate the relationship between Filipino voting behavior and the degradation of women’s rights in the Philippines under two prominent populist leaders, Rodrigo Duterte and Marcos Jr. To understand this association comprehensively, there will be an exploration whether the Philippines can be categorized as an illiberal democracy. It will then delve into the Philippines’ human rights situation by describing the State’s commitment to safeguarding human rights while simultaneously highlighting the gruesome reality. Furthermore, it will explore anti-genderism in the Philippines by scrutinizing the gender situation in the country. Eventually, there will be an analysis of Filipino voting behavior and its connection to women's rights; the 2016 and 2022 presidential elections will be used as case studies. Generally, this study aims to comprehend the dynamics between voting behavior, illiberal democracy, and the degradation of women’s rights in the Philippines. Its objective is to contribute to a deeper understanding of the obstacles faced by Filipino women in the country’s political landscape and to provide insights for legislators and advocates motivated to address these issues.