Philippines: The Punisher Loses Popularity

Over a year after taking power, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte may finally be losing popularity over his controversial agenda. According to a recent survey of 1,500 adults by domestic social research institution the Social Weather Stations, satisfaction with Duterte fell to 67 percent in September -- an 11 percent dip from June. Simultaneously, net satisfaction among citizens fell to 48 percent, the lowest it's been all year. Though the survey did not ask respondents to justify their rating of Duterte, the results come amid souring public sentiment toward the leader's aggressive anti-drug crackdown. Pressure against police violence has piled up following the death of two teenagers in mid-August, and thousands took to the streets to protest on Sept. 21, the anniversary of the 1972 declaration of martial law in the country....