Michael Beltran
Biography
Publications
Michael Beltran is a freelance journalist in the Philippines.
![Overseas Filipino workers toil for the Marcos government’s bottom line](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/2023-08/GettyImages-1137242707.jpg?itok=SlsKs8qF)
Overseas Filipino workers toil for the Marcos government’s bottom line
The Philippines relies on remittances to prop up the local economy. But the reports of abuses cannot be ignored.
![The US may force the Philippines’ (willing) hand](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/2022-12/GettyImages-1244949988.jpg?itok=_OrQ0ddy)
The US may force the Philippines’ (willing) hand
A visit by VP Kamala Harris has revitalised a military pact and shown how Bongbong Marcos views America’s regional role.
![Duterte is playing both sides](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/GettyImages-1231433400.jpg?itok=AY2ciH6v)
Duterte is playing both sides
Whether in relations with the United States or China, the Philippines remains a plaything in power politics.
![The politics of PacMan](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/GettyImages-146092222.jpg?itok=G0kcgcks)
The politics of PacMan
Manny Pacquiao is famously conservative. By turning on Rodrigo Duterte, the boxer-senator wants to deliver a knock-out.
![How strong is Duterte the strongman?](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/GettyImages-1232012726%20copy.jpg?itok=rV4KdlyK)
How strong is Duterte the strongman?
Entering his last year in office, the Philippine president’s campaign promises ring hollow. The question is what’s next.
![Lockdown déjà vu in the Philippines](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/GettyImages-1231745193%20copy.jpg?itok=2TRBs7il)
Lockdown déjà vu in the Philippines
With Covid cases rising, the Duterte administration keeps doing the same thing but somehow expects a different result.
![A Duterte dynasty?](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/GettyImages-944075600%20copy.jpg?itok=9onzmwQO)
A Duterte dynasty?
A campaign by the daughter of the Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte hovers somewhere between rumour and reality.
![In the Philippines, a label can take your life](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/GettyImages-882804238%20copy.jpg?itok=XRSQ09yp)
In the Philippines, a label can take your life
Accusation as a communist – “red-tagging” – is a potential death sentence, which doesn’t stop some from using it.
![Duterte’s vaccine promise is a political placebo](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/GettyImages-1227902971%20copy.jpg?itok=mWxDPdCv)
Duterte’s vaccine promise is a political placebo
The Philippine president has pinned hopes on a miracle solution to the Covid crisis while gutting effective responses.
Pagination