Pandemic reshapes Philippine politics in 2020

The coronavirus pandemic significantly impacted Philippine politics in 2020, altering dynamics among powerful officials.

Virtual meetings became common as physical distancing measures were implemented.

President Duterte intervened in the speakership dispute between Alan Peter Cayetano and Lord Allan Velasco when it threatened the national budget.

Issues such as the government's response to COVID-19, economic recession, media shutdowns, red-tagging of activists, and human rights concerns dominated political discourse.

The 2021 national budget, proposed at P4.5 trillion by Duterte’s administration, aims to rebuild through infrastructure projects.