PHILIPPINES PERSPECTIVE

Rappler, the Philippine investigative media founded by Maria Ressa, publishes opinion on the theme of Supreme Court and constitutional delays: 'Four months is not forthwith: How the Supreme Court diluted a constitutional command.' The article concerns the Philippine Supreme Court in the context of an impeachment procedure—not the American SCOTUS directly.

But the parallel is striking: everywhere globally, supreme courts are contested for 'diluting' supposedly clear constitutional commands. In the United States, the Voting Rights Act is weakened. In the Philippines, impeachment timelines are circumvented. In Abuja, a party convention is invalidated.

Rappler, founded by a journalist who faced government prosecution under Duterte, is naturally alert to questions of institutional protection for minorities and liberties. The SCOTUS American decision will likely be reprised in upcoming editorial—but on this day, Philippine coverage watches its own institutions.