Twin Plagues

What happens when a deadly virus meets a deadly strongman?

Twin Plagues tells the story of the Philippines under Rodrigo Duterte and Covid-19—two forces that ravaged the country in tandem. Economist and columnist JC Punongbayan likens Duterte himself to a virus that hijacked the state and eroded its democracy’s immune system. His rule hollowed out institutions, deepened inequality, and killed thousands even before the pandemic hit.

So when Covid-19 arrived, the impact…