Medical populism and local governments during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Aim This paper examines the interplay between political actors in different levels of government (i.e. from local to national) during the COVID-19 pandemic, using the framework of medical populism. Subjects and methods Three case studies illustrate how subnational political actors in the Philippines deployed medical-populist tactics to assert their leadership and challenge national policies: (1) Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s promotion of “tuob” or steam inhalation during the early months of the pandemic; (2) two congressmen’s endorsement of ivermectin in Metro Manila during the country’s worst COVID surge; and (3) Former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno’s opposition to the national face shield mandate in the period leading up to the 2022 presidential elections. Results By spectacularizing the crisis, forwarding knowledge claims, and forging divisions between ordinary people and the so-called elite establishments of government and health authorities, these actors were able to either speak over scientific evidence or help contradict policies that were not backed by solid evidence to begin with. Conclusion This paper highlights the plural manifestations of medical populism in a given country, beyond just national leaders, as well as the evolving dynamics between national and local governments (and political actors) amidst health crises.