Political scandals in the Philippines have long resembled overcooked soap opera storylines. This is the place, after all, where the wardrobe of the former first lady, Imelda Marcos, was discovered, on the day she fled the country, to contain nearly 900 handbags, and around 3,000 pairs of shoes. While half her country lived in poverty.

Still, when the current Vice President of the Philippines announced, over the weekend, that she had engaged a hit man to kill her country’s President, it caused many to take pause. Some have argued it's a tactic, to distract the public from fighting for democratic reform.

Today, international and political editor, Peter Hartcher, on why this assassination plot is no mere distraction. And what problems it could create for Australia.