Mayor Rodrigo Duterte: “Elect a real Filipino as President”
Davao’s Mayor Duterte [Photo credit: philstar.com]
He likes having his name attached to the “Death Squads” that execute Davao residents who are thought by some morally certain authority to be crooks but, when pressed, he denies having any part in it. Yet we know he at least sets the scene, and the scene is open acceptance of vigilante killings. We know he is unpredictable, teasing us relentlessly about running for president, then threatening to kill us if it is WE who suggest he run for president. He is in. Then out. Then in. Then out.
A recent article helped click everything into place. The article named Mayor Duterte’s pick as his Vice President along with some of his cabinet choices. He did this rendition off the top of his head while traveling with the inquiring reporter (see”Duterte wants Vilma Santos for VP, names Cabinet“, Inquirer).
Here are his ideas; they were qualified by his statement that all prospects would have to undergo a proper vetting:
- Vice President: Vilma Santos, now governor of Batangas, because she is calm, honest and well known. She would temper Duterte’s brusk approach.
- Secretary of Defense: Gilbert Teodoro because he is “brilliant”.
- Secretary of DBM: Former Agriculture Secretary Carlos “Sonny” Dominguez III.
- Secretary of Interior and Local Governments: Either former Interior Secretary Rafael Alunan III or an unnamed Visayan Governor.
- Department of Justice: Atty. Vitaliano Aguirre (who covered his ears during the Corona impeachment when Sen. Santiago was speaking) or another unnamed prospect.
- Secretary of Social Services and Welfare: Rep Leni Robredo “because she has been through tragedy, and is therefore compassionate, and she looks motherly” (note, my adaption of his comments; not an actual quote).
The ideas he presented in a speech after the interview included salary increases for police and teachers, and eliminating income taxes for those making less than P25,000 a month. He also said agricultural irrigation water should be free. He wrapped up his speech with a tease about his run for president and a joking threat.
What do we see in these choices and policy hints?
- Good recognition of self, including awarness that he must temper his brusque approach
- Primary emphasis on honesty and intelligence
- Additional emphasis on character (being outspoken; standing up against wrong)
- Manly attitude that falls short of modern gender-awareness standards (Leni Robredo looks motherly)
- His policy interests favor the working class
- Excellent top-of-mind thinking; this was, after all, an impromptu interview
- He has charisma
Sum that up and we have:
- A populist, a man’s man, a guy who has clearly in mind what he wants:
- He wants people working for him who will speak up, not be lackeys. This suggests he is likely to be a strong and effective leader.
- The values he centers his policy on are clear, good, and honorable. They favor the masses, and this gives him a realistic shot at the presidency.
- He has the popularity of a guy who goes for the win, gets it, and laughs along the way.
- Duterte is a “real” Filipino in the way that Poe is not, Binay is not, Roxas is not, and Santiago is not. It is rather the way of Pacquiao, but with political and executive skill, brainpower and results to back it up.
The Mayor is considered one of the Philippines most ardent advocates for federalism. He bristles when outsiders – from Justice Secretary de Lima to Human Rights watchdogs – presume to know better than him how to run his city. You get the idea that, on some days, he wishes Manila would just fall off the map.
If he is going to be president, we also have to consider his age and health. During one of his “I won’t run” moments, he said it was because of age and health concerns. But I think we can set that aside as a major issue. He is 70 years old and active. If he has a strong Vice President, age and health are minor issues. Clearly, his mind is sharp.
He has also been engaged in an extended “listening tour” across the Philippines. It is an unusual engagement for a city mayor, to take up a national presence. He promotes his political ideas, including federalism, and . . . we can suspect . . . he gauges public receptivity to his possible run as a presidential candidate. The tour reminds me of another former Mayor who built a national presence by developing strong local ties. A guy named Binay.
Mayor Duterte has one huge quirk in his portfolio, a monster of objection: the Death Squads.
If he is not directly linked to them, he has at least established the attitude of acceptance for them. Or beyond acceptance, he has welcomed them. He hints that this would also be his approach as President.
We have to read the risks, and it is not easy to do.
- Would he turn “Marcos deadly”, using force to assure his way and his own rule?
- His recent personalized attack on Secretary de Lima suggests this is possible.
- Would he turn ruthless at cleansing the Philippine of its corrupt influences?
- Davao is a robust, crime-free city; a testament to accomplishment.
Normally, I summarize outside reading. But for this blog, I ask that you go directly to the source by reading two articles. I cannot do justice to the great divide illustrated by the two articles. The first is the view of Davao as one of the safest cities in the world. The other is is about the Death Squads.
I do believe that Mayor Duterte is a classic Filipino local politician. Local politics historically have been down and dirty, filled with intimidation and violence, the power of dynasties, and favors granted and called. A city or municipality is the mayor’s town. Outside interference is not welcome.
Mayor Duterte operates as a local dictator in a democratic nation. As do many mayors. He is not Lee Kuan Yew, though. The line between compassion and ruthless for Duterte is very thin.
I personally prefer stability and certainty, a middle road of grays and concession, negotiated laws and people who listen as well as speak. That is not weakness in my book. It is recognition that the Philippines is multi-cultural. It also recognizes that poverty in many respects is an “innocent” bed for criminality.
Abrasive power in City Hall, and ruthless illegal acts, are not so innocent.
I’d prefer a search for cures, not killing. I’d prefer compassion over crucifixion.
But for sure, Mayor Duterte is cut in same the model of many Filipino local leaders, of today.
He is, without question, a “real” Filipino.
The Society of Honor by Joe America 
Duterte’s approach to things is based on pragmatism and common sense, more than any Presidential candidate. May I add that he has one of the most sensible opinions on BBL.
Ah, the missing Irineo. Good to see your comment. I know you’ve spoken on his view of the BBL, but it would be good to recount it here for new readers stopping by.
His view of BBL was balanced way before today’s attempts to amend it, when most people were either Yes to BBL or No to BBL. And his statements on the Moro situation sounded quite sensible also – well he lives in Mindanao and knows exactly what he is talking about.
What other commentators may be right about is the scalability of his approach to Davao. Death squads certainly will not work nationwide. But as President, would he then reform the justice system to make such stuff unnecessary? Because it is not a true deterrent now.
As President he would have the power to appoint a good many Supreme Court justices, so could reform the Judiciary that way. As for NBI, maybe he’d end the clearance business and focus on investigations. I don’t know how he’d make DOJ more aggressive, as they seem bound by court rules.
Many people have sensible opinions on BBL; I like to think I have some sensible opinions myself. But I would make a terrible president.
🙂 Bummer.
My concern for both Binay and Duterte, aside from the former’s alleged plundering and epal ways and the latter’s alleged vigilante brand of justice are their age and health status.
We all know that as a person ages, his body like a machine, undergoes the natural wear and tear. This is true to most individuals, exceptions are so few which can be found in those health and exercise enthusiasts.
Will it be another of my radical ideas to require all who will offer themselves as presidential and vice presidential candidates to submit themselves to a thorough and independent medical check up, results of which to be formally reported to the voting public?
I heard a rumor that our favorite VP’s kidney is allegedly not that healthy… rumor, rumor only…. and that Duterte’s health is not that A-ok too.
We need healthy and not so old head of the nation as we face too many challenges ahead.
My 2 centavos worth of musings.
I searched around to try to find out specifically what Mayor Duterte’s health problems might be and came up with nothing. I agree that physical examinations ought to be required. For sure, 70 is pushing the outer edge of stamina and health, for the heavy burdens of running a nation.
Joe, I have an open mind on Duterte despite his vigilante mindset and his age and suspected illness. Sick or old he can and will accomplish in two years what other lackadaisical president can not do in six years. Age and illness becomes irrelevant as rational premises against the man.
I will close my mind on answers given by non-nincompoops here who give broad comments on your piece form not its specific content. I apologize but I need clear answers to the question: WHO ARE NOW AND LATER WILL BE AFRAID OF DUTERTE? The good citizens? The elite? The retired crooks and active crooks? The rich right or the obsolete left?
Who indeed are afraid of DUTERTE whose self interest will hang in the balance once he gets elected. There are 100 million Filipinos. Without internet search the educated guess is that those of majority age are about 60 -85 million Pinoys who are also close to the poverty line. The hard core crooks including their children may be about 2-3 million. How many are captive taxpayers who pays their taxes honestly because they can’t cheat? How many wage earners from the public and private sector just live to work and work and are not likely to rebel against the government.
The question narrows down to the voter. Are you afraid of DUTERTE? Why? Because of your law abiding neighbour might be killed or arrested by Duterte’s police and soldiers. This line of thinking is an oversimplification of a quantum of issues and would only apply to the Philippines. Not applicable to Singapore, Malaysia or Indonesia, etc. Focus on Duterte, focus on real and imagine fears against self interest and mistake it as those of the country. Are you afraid of Duterte because of what will happen to national and local politicians floating now in the murk of corruption. Who will be harmed more by Duterte the bad citizens or the good citizens?
Who’s afraid of Duterte? Well, for one, those who will be on his sights, but not as what most of us think it is, the low scums of the earth, the poor.
What is really scary is if this goes on a national scale, tataba nga ang Manila Bay, kasi on that scale you have to delegate na. You can’t micro manage that kind of death squad on a national scale without delegating.
That’s where the problem lies. It could be used to silence enemies, even the good ones.
Well, neo, when you ask questions, you ask humdingers. Thanks for adding that sharp perspective to Mayor Duterte.
I’d like to think that I am a law abiding citizen, but I am afraid of anyone who has a vigilante-type-of-justice tendencies. Why, because I care too much for my fellow citizens who will be deprived of due process of the law, guilty or not, worse if they are not guilty.
We are a nation of laws. What I find ideal is for us to strive for a speedy justice system so that those who are guilty can be punished for their crimes against society and those who are not, should be freed and be productive again.
My concern regarding age and health status:
We know that the presidency is a very powerful position. We learned from the Marcos regime, when towards the end of his rule, when he was attempting to legalize it by a snap election, we saw with our own eyes that he was so sick that he delegated this vast amount of power to his wife and his minions who abused it. I don’t want that to happen again, hence my position.
….and think about someone who is old and sick with so many therapeutic drugs to take as maintenance, the mind clouding side effects of these medicines that will affect the kind of decisions that need to be made, to balance the recommendations of his cabinet members that requires clear minded capability. We need an able bodied president to run this country.
ok, I think I was in error there…. in inversely equating old age with mind clarity and wisdom…my apologies to commenters here who are so full of wisdom and clarity of mind but are not so young anymore…my bad…aaarrrgh…
my only excuse for such judgmental comment is my earnest belief that…. ok, I’d better stop there in case I negate my earnest apology…let’s just say that if a candidate has kidney problem nearing the end stage (kidney failure and is already old), we, the voting public must be informed… there I think that’s fair enough.
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Ahaha, Mary, I was the only one who passed the first condition anyway…
*****
Wow, how about that, maraming salamat po. Nagkaroon ng liwanag sa mga tanong ko. In English : Thanks a lot for comments to my questions. Old age and illness as a factor might cancel out other scary reservations of iron-fisted rule. The responses if I may THANKS a lot demonstrate age neutral thinkers of new thinks.
Still I can’t figure why the ghost of Ferdie Marcos and the astral travels of Imelda, Gloria and Erap can make irrational bad predictions tending to spread fear among current candidates. Bad history repeat itself in that bad people re-incarnates themselves? If Marcos as I read once was a reincarnation of a Pharaoh who is the re-incarnation of Al Capone, John Dillinger, boxer Joe Louis among us?
To be non-racialist and non-ideologue I say Ronald Reagan was 69 when he run for the White House; Mao Tse Tong coterie were mostly septuagenarians who decades before cooked what Com-Dem China is now.
i agree we are a nation of laws…are they being implemented and enforced???, yes the pinoy way…sometimes you do them sometimes not…the rich, famous, and powerful have their own way…the poor, the weakling and the unknown get the book thrown at them.
Justice Scalia had a favorite example with regards to the death penalty. After 2 decades with DNA evidence that man was proven innocent. I am against the death squads because people make mistakes. When lives are at stake a fatal mistake is unacceptable.
I thought that Jessica Soho’s interview with the man was enough to close the iron curtain? The endorsement is too descriptive, abstract, probably, vacuous.
What’s your view of Mayor Duterte as a presidential prospect?
Primer,there was no endorsement.Mr. contrarian,kindly expound. Having said that,nice to see you and JCC drop by.
Ahhhh! 2+2, Primer + Filipino Voices, OMG, that was 6 or 7 years ago.
Welcome to the blog, Primer! I recall you were always skilled at stirring the pot. Good to know you still are. 🙂
A question to the crowd: Will he and can he go after bad elements if they are in the league of Binay, Estrada, Enrile, Marcos, et al? Or does his vaunted vigilantism stop at the lower levels?
Andrew, Philippine Law are for the nog-nogs, colored and browned skin. It is not applicable to the Mestizos. As to the Elected Crooks? Well, they apply wishy-washy laws as usual. These are untouchables. Pemberton? Gets the decorum and Hustisya Matuwid American Style Secretary of Justice will want to promote justice to foreigners not to the locals.
Vigilantism only to the lower unemployed minimum-wage working-class colored people BECAUSE THE PHILIPPINE MEDIA DO NOT CARE ABOUT THEM. They are EXPENDABLES. It doesn’t create chatter. It doesn’t sell newspaper.
Bottom line is always: Philippine Media.
The gap between being a successful town or city boss and running the nation is a big one. We have seen quite a few local bosses – men with a big reputation in their city or province – try for supreme office and fail.
The track record of this type of character in high office is frankly disastrous. They tend to be on “transmit”, not “receive”, and to be extremely autocratic, exhibiting a “datu” mentality.
The best known example of such a “real Filipino” in the Presidential office is the example of the late Ferdinand Marcos.
Thanks for the perspective, methersgate. That makes sense. The national government is a huge institution, with some 20 departments each with significant responsibilities. The budget is also huge, and getting it spent well and on time is a challenge. A mayor who is in office because he is popular is ill equipped to manage that institution, the Executive branch. Indeed, it surprises me that President Aquino has been able to do that in decent executive fashion. But if Duterte thinks he can come in and jerk the nation around. Hmmmmm .. . I don’t think so.
don’t tell it to the Marines Joe, tell it to Monching Magsaysay, Cory Aquino, etc who did well though they have not been even city or town mayors. In organizations uniformed or civilian, POSITION MAKES THE MAN OR WOMAN who holds it. I wrote that before Noynoy decided to run for president. His performance slaps the faces of those who holds such kind of reasoning. Dead as they are Cory and Monching might just be smiling down at us from up there. Ferdinand Marcos as a “real Filipino” where did that come from?
It came from the gaggle of guys around the cockfight arena?
The position does make the man or woman, doesn’t it? For sure, Senator Noynoy Aquino, this passive, honest, soft-spoken intellectual, who could have been happy with fast cars and hot dates, became a statesman before our very eyes, holding strong in the face of emotionalism from the press and the people, doing what he believed was right for the nation.
Which is why it is essential to elect someone who has the nation’s well-being first and foremost in mind.
Not self interest or trapo buddies or legacy or applause from the maddening press.
Bravo!
Only one Prez wannabe fit that template you described Sir. As for DDS on a national scale should Du30 becomes prez, vigilante justice on a national scale is going to be a nightmare. Should celebrity crooks get in Du30’s crosshair, how is he going to explain the disappearance of many high profile crooks.
I think he only shoots those with no means to pursue legal action, so he can’t be shooting any high profile people. He might even give them jobs, who knows. It’s hard to read him.
Which makes me wonder why we would vote for someone we can’t really understand.
Exactly!
If that is your concern Mary Grace Gonzales, in behalf of Mayor Duterte we thank you! But since the person concerned is still alive and kicking and can actively perform his duties then there is no big deal about it. And who do you think you want to become the President of the Republic of the Philippines? Your corrupt candidate? No way! Only Mayor Duterte is qualified to become our President. Don’t insist your insensible ideas just to make a way for your candidate.
Do you represent the Duterte camp in an official capacity, Belle?
If I read your comment correctly, you are saying the other potential candidates are corrupt, which would embrace Senator Poe and Secretary Roxas. What specific incidents of corruption do you claim for these people? It seems to be a rather reckless charge, and I’m thinking even Mayor Duterte would not like to see his good friend Mar Roxas slandered that way.
Span of control. The situation in a city and in a nation is very different. Geographically, complexity, capabilities of manager, capabilities of subordinates, volume of other tasks…. The span for a mayor could be quite large but is usually quite small. The span for a president is very large and should be small based on these criteria. Hence the team leader/team player skills are crucial for a president, unimportant for mayor. A president can only manage (= plan, direct, control, innovate) via trusted secretaries, a mayor can (micro-)manage alone.
But who cares. Emotions, political propaganda, alliances will decide, not rational considerations.
Emotions are rising to squash Binay, and alliances are rising to support Roxas. Poe is twisting slowly slowly in the wind.
Being SILG has its perks. It seems before july 27 Mar would have delievered his jeeps to most major provinces. I remember during 2004 campaign the preference of people depended on three things commercials/media spin/campaign sorties.
The first two we control.
The effectiveness of one depends on things beyond anyone’s control.
The second we control but only with the corrupt media.
Grace hasn’t been campaigning the past 5 years and yet is trailing only 3%.
Mar is rightly keeping it cool.
Duterte is just testing the waters.
Binay is going down.
#WalkTheTalk
and speaker of the house have its perks too..and they lost big time..1992 and 1998
even if you don’t include 1998, the best example was 1992. Mitra had a grip on the congressmen but he was really not that “electable”
Mar will follow on Mitra and De Venecia footsteps unless Poe wont run and Binay will be locked up int jail.
he might be the most qualified but he cant just connect with the people
Hey Joe,
How well do you think Duterte’s local strategies translate to governing on a national level? I think any argument in favor of electing this guy rests on some analysis of the likelihood that his tactics (or that he would have the knowledge/skills) would be as successful in delivering results in a national government context.
See my comment to methersgate. It is a big jump, going from city to nation. I do think that Duterte exhibits some good management disciplines (looking for bright, principled people who will speak up), and I suspect he can delegate well, as Davao is a major city. But I worry about “knee jerk” in crisis situations like China or another Mamasapano or problems with the US on that alliance . . . is he able to control his mouth and deeds in diplomatic fashion. Is he able to wait a crisis out when patience is required? I have big reservations based on his public comments about the presidency and death squads.
He also needs to define a clear policy on extrajudicial killings.
I personally feel more confident of Mar Roxas, for the breadth of crisis experience he’s had, like dealing with the Zamboanga siege, bearing heat after Yolanda, aftermath of Mamasapano, etc.. I think he understands the Executive branch better than any other candidate and understands diplomacy is important. Senator Poe is very green.
Yup, saw that, thanks.
Something of a tangent, but important and related anyway, what do you think the immediate priorities of the next president would be?
I don’t know what they would be because Binay’s would likely be different than Roxas’ or Duterte’s or Poe’s. What they should be, in my opinion, would be:
– Integrity of national income generation and spending, where income requires disciplined taxing and spending means no corruption or leakage, and better procurement and processing to stop the roadblocks and delays. In other words, promote a steady-on, fast-growth economy. This is the platform for poverty reduction.
– Building of alliances and defense in expectation that China will not abide by an ITLOS ruling, in favor of the Philippines. Develop economic and other punishments of China to have those ready (stop Chinese mining in the Philippines).
– Work on developing LGU economic integrity so that Cebu and Davao become major metropolitan centers and other cities and municipalities have disciplined management processes, sound economic processes (revenue, expense), good zoning, civic discipline and disaster preparedness. Stop making LGU’s wards of the state. Pass the BBL as architecture for rehabilitation of indigenous Mindinao.
– Build economic fundamentals: manufacturing (war materials), tourism, agribusiness, trade, and so forth. Better resource management (seas, forests, ores).
– Establish some social goals to transition from a crab economy to an ambitious, competitive economy. Recast education for an automated era, and to promote good values. Incent families to keep kids in school and do steady work; provide social programs to assist.
That’s off the top of my head. It could be refined, I’m sure.
Could be refined, if not copy pasted. by aspiring candidates out there who do not have your vision and literary expertise…hahaha
Three substances hype the writing: (1) coffee, (2) wine, or (3) a good, tense basketball game. I don’t have any wine but the other two were operative.
I avoid coffee – gives me palpitation
I have not acquired the taste of wine, so I don’t drink any
When I was younger, I once fell off the chair when the team I’m rooting for wiped out a 6 point lead in 3 seconds and went on to win the championship – don’t want to be back @ I.C.U. so I don’t watch anymore.
No wonder my writing sucks.
🙂 🙂 🙂 Yeah, but you have something better. Passion.
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Mary,
I don’t drink coffee for the same reason you don’t; I never developed the palate for wine either; and I can’t dribble a basketball. But I drink Ovaltine for breakfast.
*****
Thanks… yep, I have that, took after my mom and grand pa, they had that, too..in spades…
@ edgar
Now you have me in utter confusion, I also drink ovaltine yet you write so well with wisdom and literary genius and I don’t…which is which? joke lang hahaha
I am getting VERY tired of seeing the Numbeo “crime rate” figures used to “puff” Davao as a “safe” city.
Evidently nobody has bothered to see how these figures are made up – and “made up” is the operative word, here. They are merely subjective estimates.
See here:
http://www.numbeo.com/crime/indices_explained.jsp
The calculation of crime rate figures is a hugely complicated matter. Since different nations use different methods to compute their crime rates, it is almost impossible to compare crime statistics between nations or between cities in different nations.
To illustrate, here are the British Government’s own statistics for the year ending in December 2014. It is not a quick or easy document to read, but it does contain a useful discussion on some of the issues:
http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/crime-stats/crime-statistics/year-ending-december-2014/index.html
That site is technical mumbo jumbo to me. How does Davao compare with other large cities on crime, in your book? People who visit Davao do say it is different. Ordered. Organized.
I have never heard anything to suggest that Duterte’s “tough on crime” approach extends to elite criminals with influence. The approach seems to be to step all over the small time street criminals and cut deals with the big players: keep it peaceful and out of sight and you’ll be left alone. That’s an effective way to cut a city’s crime statistics. Whether or not it’s an effective way to run a country is another question.
Yes, it is.
Well, last year there WAS an elite businessman believed to be involved in rice smuggling and other crimes.
research more about rodrigo duterte to know him well.where was he in the early 80s.what happened to journalists who critisized his ways.we use to call him digong in davao city.if you dont know the true rodrigo then you must be joking in endorsing him as the next president of this republic.
I didn’t endorse him. Perhaps you should read the blog. If you have information and insight about Mayor Duterte, kindly share it with readers.
This is all about ethical dilemmas. From where on is killing criminals self-defense? Where, when do we need softies, where, when do we need machos? When to break, when to follow a bad law?
Luckily we can avoid al those questions. He is too old. His generation should step aside, advise, not rule. This times belong to his children and grandchildren.
I like that simple decisioning. It makes sense. The Philippines desperately needs fresh ideas and ways of working (like the idea of actually working for the best interest of the NATION).
I was being sneaky with the close of the blog, but perhaps it was too subtle. By citing that Mayor Duterte is a “real” Filipino, I am questioning whether or not that kind of “reality” is what the nation needs, or people want. You have stepped up and said, “no, I don’t want that kind of ‘real”.” I think if people gave it some thought, they’d agree it is time for the Philippines to get beyond gunslingers.
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/duterte-agrees-joma/ – OK, Davao Today is a leftist paper:
“Duterte said his pronouncements on establishing a coalition government with the communists also goes out to the Muslim insurgents… Duterte clarified that if he becomes the president, he will retain control of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Duterte will likewise “eradicate all forms of paramilitary.”… Duterte also supported the CPP’s program for national independence condemning the government’s subservience to foreign dictates.”
Is Duterte working for Binay? Duterte considers running for president if Duterte beats Binay in Polls. Goot strategy! Filipinos do not like vigilante Duterte. For Duterte not run for President Filipinos have to answer in Pulse Asia and SWS polls they are for Binay.
Hmmm …. Nice move Binay
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/696860/duterte-i-might-run-for-president-if-i-beat-vp-binay-in-surveys
I think you may just have hit a nail on the head.
For sure, Mayor Duterte knows that he cannot win, but as with Senator Santiago, a run for the Presidency may be financially worthwhile if someone else bankrolls the costs of the campaign, and if that someone else benefits by a rival’s vote being split, that someone else may find a way of rewarding the unsuccessful candidate.
Indeed, it has been put to me by a journalist friend that that is precisely what Mayor Duterte is doing – looking for a financial backer…
Wheeew !!!! Never a dull moment in the Philippines or are they simply just dull ?
“Qualification not popularity is key”, says Drilon coming from SECRETARY OF JUSTICE
COMELEC should take out from Application of President form “CITIZENSHIP” and “RESIDENCY” !!!
Never a dull moment because JUSTICE IN THE PHILIPPINES ARE SIMPLY DULL. Morning after they ask me why I am not investing my dollars in the Philippines. Jeeeez, people !!! C’mon !!!!
Aha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Secretary of Justice Drilon, Lawmaker Senator Drilon and Sereno just OUTDATED “citizenship” and “residency” requirements. What about me? What about the exiled and self-exiles? Can we apply for President? Let us inundate them with our resume!
Since Citizenship and Residency have just been OUTDATED, I suggesst Kim Jung Un and Chinese President should run for the highest office of the land.
As Modern Day Philosopher New Think Erap Estrada had always said about the LAW AND CONSTITUTION OF THE PHILIPPINES, “Weder-weder lang yan” and “Its depends”.
That is why It make me cringe and hairs stand on end when Filipinos talk about laws of the land ….. BECAUSE IT IS NOTHING BUT A MIRAGE AND ILLUSION. And those people who are talking about law must be HALLUCINATING.
PNOY is working hard to encourage foreign investments to come here, you are doing the opposite….. ahhh…ok, I forgot you are not a Filipino who is after the goot of the NATION. You just ridicule our every effort to be goot.
This and two of the above are rediculous headlines from Philippine Media that made me vote THE BINAYS:
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/697141/poes-icy-relationship-with-nancy-binay-revealed
FILIPINOS JUST LOVE DRAMA. DRAMA GATHERS VOTES NOT FROM THE PEOPLE LIKE ME … Wait a minute! I just said I elected THE BINAYS! Well, that was the time when Philippine Inquirer and Philippine Mass Media did not know that COA Audit Reports can be had for the taking for free.
Now that Ignoramuses in Philippine Media, who are graduates from University of the Philippines, knew that COA report is not CONFIDENTIAL I just knew that THE BINAYS are accused THIEVES.
i just wonder what the U.P.-graduate run Philippine Mass Media is not telling the Filipino people. One of them, of course, is RELIGION. THE THIEVES IN THE VATICAN. THE SEXUAL MOLESTATION. THEIR not wanting to pay the molested by filing for bankruptcy in Sandiego, Boston and in Seattle. Fortunately the American justices said, “NO!”. No bankruptcy. Sell their archdiocese property and pay off their molested.
I have concluded it is not the colonists who are crooks because the colonists to this day are “NEVER INVOLVED IN BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION” only the nog-nog and colored people IT IS THE CHURCH THAT SCREWED FILIPINO INTO CORRUPTION.
To be an effective and feared leader of the Philippines ONE MUST BREAK FAMILY TIES AND FRIENDSHIP like Benigno like priests practice celibacy and abstinence … It is the family and friends that name-drops.
Only one thing I cannot understand about Benigno, why can’t he tell Binay to bugger off. But he sure did wag his finger and admonish Nancy and Poe to stop bickering like children. Nancy and Poe are not bickering. It is the Philippine Media that made them appear to bicker and squabble. Here is a good example from the U.P.-journalism graduate Philippine Media on their “icy relationship”:
““Hindi pa (Not yet),” Poe said in a text message on Tuesday when asked if she and Binay were communicating with each other after the residency issue.”
The Philippine Media is insinuating that:
1. Nancy and Grace are texting daily
2. Nancy and Grace are Facebook friends
3. Two days without contact is “icy” dicey.
Of course, Philippine Media is afraid of Duterte. Yes, Duterte’s gun is mightier than U.P. Journalists’ pen.
That is interesting. I wonder if we’ll see the same kind of insulting pictures of Duterte that we have seen the papers run of President Aquino and Secretary Roxas . . . and now turning to the Binays. So far, we’ve seen only nice pictures of Poe and Duterte.
And you are right about the Poe/Nancy “fight” going on. That was concocted by the Inquirer and headlined. They are making the story, not reporting anything, because there is nothing to report. The two senators have not spoken, nor has Grace Poe and Recto, I imagine. Of course, if Poe and Recto texted, the Inquirer would headline “Poe, Recto in relationahip!”
Meanwhile, we have no idea what is happening with the Binay court/ombudsman case, or how our infrastructure developments are going, or what the sister city mayors have received as bribes . . . er, gifts . . . in the relationship with Makati.
I love reading your blogs.
Why thank you, Marlene. It’s nice of you to say that.
I love reading your blogs. I get to be familiar with people who want to serve the country by reading people’s comments.
A good reference.
Indeed, the comments here are very enlightening, I agree.
Duterte like Lacson, can be effective leaders. don’t know about Duterte’s record on corruption but Lacson was able to influence his mistahs not to engage in corruption during his PNP reign.
the trick for now is to continue what Aquino has started so that the reforms will take root. Duterte by not tolerating corruption will strengthen the building blocks already started.
after all, its appointing the right people to sensitive posts (like Ombudsman, Justice Secretaryt, COA, BIR, Customs) that will give the lasting effect whether you are effective as president or not.
if we can elect 2 more presidents with the same program as Aquino, I think the republic can be on auto pilot already.
Concentrate first on problems confronting the nation. Who among the prospects are better fit to solve them? Let’s name a few: corruption,crime,poverty,over-population and traffic,lack of infrastructure, absence of employment opportunities , unfettered development ,among others. These problems have existed since the days we were freed from Spain and seem to grow every year without meaningful solutions. Think also about the character of the leader who will be elected to once and for all create a big dent to solve these enigma . The Filipino people have been desensitized all these years because these problems seem to have no end in sight. Courage and fearlessness, incorruptible , and someone who is compassionate is the leader that the Philippines need to get us to the next level. No executive experience matters if that person does not have these qualities.
CCT or PPPP is a program that needs to continue,The RH law must work and continue,rather than say Private Public partnership sucks someone must make it work and continue to work.The trade agreements,and the other agreements were too much too soon,it made us abandon manufacturing,sort of give up on our agriculture.,etc.One must also solve these The fearlessness and compassion is not monopolized by one candidate, so yes character is important.
Spot on, Sarsi. I’ll be doing a blog next week that takes your concept and applies it to all the candidates. Even those in the US, for comparative purposes. I’ll be interested in whether or not you agree with my “findings”. It is scheduled to run next Tuesday eve.
I find the approach of Sarsi Bodhi useful in answering the question of whether I would like Duterte to be President, with addition of more criteria, along with what was already mentioned:
– “Who among the prospects are better fit to solve them? Let’s name a few: corruption, crime, poverty, over-population and traffic,lack of infrastructure, absence of employment opportunities , unfettered development ,among others”
– “Think also about the character of the leader who will be elected to once and for all create a big dent to solve these enigma”
– ( In connection with Sarsi’s quoted item 2 above, the Death Squad item and the mental set, and sadly as commented here applied only to those whose family do not have the means for legal challenge is there in background.)
– Already mentioned: age and health status; and consequential probability, if health is poor, that the administered drugs and therapy will addle his mind, resulting in people close to him effectively running the government (ref Marcos), without the arguable discipline that a Duterte may apply in his decision-making
– Already mentioned, the concept of position making the man, if applied, may make another candidate — with Aquino an example of an under-achiever and softy in the Senate but ennobling the position as President, a better alternative
– Other important criteria commentators here can supply
Based on these consideration, I pass on Duterte as President.
excellent criteria
He is not my candidate to start the auto pilot mode of governance. I had ethical/moral dilemmas and joseph made it easier for me to scratch him from my list.I also have the same questions raised by Andrew,
I think Duterte may be a good President, but what I fear is that we will be back to the “landlord” style of culture and governance – it can be good if the landlord is good. But remember, the Duterte kind of leader is very rare here and I’m afraid, a different kind of “landlord” may rule after his term – then we will be back to the bottom of the pit. Another thing, his “death squads” may be effective and controllable in Davao. Place them in the entire Philippines, I am terrified of the outcome. I will be on on the safe side.
Here’s some stats/demographics to consider for the candidates we are discussing:
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/500370/news/specialreports/voters-profile-nearly-half-are-unemployed
Based on the data, a composite profile of the Filipino voter in 2016 will be:
1. NOT gainfully employed
2. Finished at the highest, only high school
3. Under 45 years old
4. Catholic
5. Either male or female
6. Married
My comments:
a. What will make the poor, partially educated, the uninvolved go for a candidate?
b.Youth is king.
c. Catholicity is meaningless, since it does not sway the voter any which way, even on integrity or moral issues.
d. Married may mean greater concern for family’s welfare.
e. Gender only becomes a factor for senatorial elections, where the voter chooses several from a list. But on a head to head battle, it will not be a decisive factor.
Interesting that you should ask. I’ve been concocting a scheme for doing that, but will hold it for an article. There are ways to reach the composite voter, I think. For instance, if Coco Martin showed up in Cebu, did a concert with a friend or two, and used the forum to promote his candidate, I think he’d get some votes to swing over. If Pacquiao did that for Binay, Pacquiao would kill his reputation in the power circles. And he wouldn’t swing many votes.
*******
1. I note that people refer to candidates by either first name or last name.
1.1. First names: Mar, Grace
1.2. Last names: Binay, Cayetano, Duterte, Lacson.
2. I theorize this has to do with what is called “psychological distance.” As I use it, the term can be defined as the closeness or familiarity one feels towards another.
3. We may not feel close to Mar and Grace but they are familiar to us. Familiarity may be the result of constant exposure to us by media… or some other (archetypal?) factor.
4. Duterte is a newbie as a potential presidential candidate. Understandably, we do not know him as Rodrigo or Rudy.
5. But there must be another element to psychological distancing. Binay, more than Cayetano or Lacson, has been a presidential candidate since forever. So why the formality?
5.1. I suspect it has to do with a certain dislike for the character or an attribute of the candidate.
o For Binay, it could be his corruptness.
o For Lacson, it could be his gender orientation.
o For Cayetano, it could be his volubility.
o And for Duterte, it could be his vigilantism.
6. Psychological distancing works in two directions. What is distant can become familiar, and what is familiar can become distant… especially when there is a change of status in the Other.
6.1. Thus, Eddie became FVR and Gloria became GMA.
6.2. I’m not sure that Marcos was ever Ferdie, but he became known as FM. Note the missing maternal surname initial (E for Edralin). (I take it midstream vowels are to be avoided because of the mind’s associative tendencies.)
7. Curiously, psychological distancing does not work all the time. No matter what guise he adopts, Erap is always Erap. Cory was always Cory. And Pnoy was, is and shall forever be PNoy.
7.1. I suspect that this constant familiarity might be the counterpart of the “dislike” mentioned in 5.1. Not necessarily “like” but the notion that these people have become an intimate part of, not our hearts, but of our psychological milieu. (In the case of Erap, my involuntary psychological response is “Ewww!”)
8. I would like to make one comment about the similarity between Binay and Duterte. Their campaigns are made on the basis of magical thinking, on the homeopathic principle of “like affects like.” Essentially, both candidates premise their promises on the slogan that “The Philippines will become like xxx” where xxx is the name of their respectively claimed cities.
8.1. This is magical thinking — more theoretical correlation than realistic causation — because their slogans ignore the simple — and humongous — factor of scale.
9. Duterte is for real? So, I submit, is Binay. Both are real dangers to the aspiration in the Constitution of a “rule of law.”
*****
Another gem, new thinker / philosopher you.
On # 8. We should tell our masa voters:
Binay’s “Ganito kami sa Makati … will make you become like it” – is next to an impossible dream because Makati is the seat of business finance long before he became its OIC… and other mayors are giving the same benefits to their constituents that Binay is giving his. If Binay appears to be giving more, it’s because Makati is richer not because of Binay’s generosity. The gifts Binay gives to the sister cities come from Makati taxpayers, not from Binay, and if the results of the sub-committee hearings are confirmed, those gifts also came partly from ill-gotten wealth.
On Davao being nearly crime free – the end does not justify the means, yes, the rule of law is supreme. There should never be such short cut like vigilante justice in a civilized society.
Those who are for Duterte are understandably fed up with unsolved crimes and the slow, slow turning of the wheels of justice. But patience is a virtue, we will eventually get there after a principled and visionary president after Pnoy has replaced the Arroyo appointees in the Supreme Court. These new associate justices will hopefully team up with CJ Sereno in reforming our justice system – to discipline erring justices of the lower courts and aim for speedy resolution of court cases.
Those commercials where he shouldered 1 million for hospital bills,covered the tuition fees are nothing but mere testimonials, until I hear what he plans to do for healthcare and education, and I am not holding my breath.
What else will they shoot at the Coconut palace? They covered OFWS,scholars,seniors,what else?
His infomercials are driving us nuts, we usually race to get the remote first to change channels when they are on…anyways, as Joe has tried to justified them, let the economy reabsorb some of his alleged ill gotten wealth by way of these suffocating infomercials.. just get that remote fast!
Who gives these names? Are it senior journalists, is the campaign team, is it a sudden spontaneous popular outburst? Or is it natural selection, all possible combinations are launched and then the public selects their favorite one?
I think the names come about as an interaction between the street and media.
What is interesting is that Duterte is called Digong Duterte in Mindanao and by followers.
Notwithstanding the fact that I’m hooked on detective and spy novels where unsanctioned, deniable contract agents of CIA perform these vigilante activities, I never waver in my belief that it should never have a place in true to life governance.
We should strengthen our democratic system, get rid of corrupt elements in all sectors of the government from barangay level up to the presidency, continue the reform in education, military, justice, etc. For that to happen, we need to have more educational information directed to the voting public, likewise, there is a need more than 3 terms of continued good governance for us to get there.
Reblogged this on iThink and commented:
Well written I must say.
Thank you, drethe, glad you appreciated the article. Appreciate the re-blog.
The other day, I was telling a friend that Duterte’s style seems to be, “Hey, bad elements, do your mischief in Davao and you’re dead!” And so criminals stay away from his city. They don’t reform, they just go somewhere else. So how does that work if he’s in charge of the whole country? Where do the criminals run away to, because I don’t think they’ll all suddenly turn into model, law-abiding citizens?
And why does it have to be, “Oh, due process takes too long, so I’ll just kill you right now!”? Another Rudy, Giuliani, reduced the crime rate in New York and he didn’t have to resort to death squads. Wouldn’t it be more positive, and probably more permanent, if he said he’ll work to reform the justice system so it works faster? Hell, maybe he should send the “Davao Development System” after some lawyers and judges who keep gumming up the works with dilatory tactics!
Off topic, someone should tell M. Lhuillier one of their ads running on Basketball TV would make a good voters’ education spot. In fact, I thought it was one until Ogie Alcasid appeared. It’s about not selling one’s soul for cash.
Interesting. I just caught a glimpse of the ad that seemed to be promoting the pawning of wedding rings to get cash. I thought that was a rather shady business to be advertising.
I deduce that the Philippines REALLY needs a consumer credit rating agency.
Excellent, excellent point, Lilit. It goes along with my observation elsewhere that the people who end up dead are usually poor, so their families can’t sue or seek revenge.
If only Duterte was younger and didn’t have his attitude about killing, he would have made at least a good Senator or DILG secretary. The thing is, I’m not Machiavellian (end justifies the means), I’m more of the opposite (the end does not justify the means; this is also the reason why I’m anti-DAP but that’s another story), so I don’t think that “killing criminals” is the solution to the country’s problems.
This is what scares me: Duterte has already received flak from Human Rights Watch and other human rights organizations for his actions as mayor, imagine what would happen if he were president. It’s not like he would suddenly stop his death squads if he became president: on the contrary, based on his statements, things might even get worse. Imagine: if the the Philippines, which has gained international respect (and at times, flak) under Aquino, were to have Duterte as president. Our reputation would be in tatters almost overnight. Investors would flee, journalists might go into exile or hiding, we could be seeing a second Martial Law. What scares me further is that many Filipinos actually support Duterte’s “radical” ideas of abolishing congress, “killing criminals”, and establishing a “revolutionary” government. They say they don’t care about democracy, and that democracy has failed us. I too want the Philippines’ crime rate to go down, but killing squads won’t solve anything. It’s like getting AIDS to cure a fever. To solve our problems, cure the cause of the fever (in this analogy, the cause of the “fever” (crime) is poverty). Duterte’s not the right guy for the job, and I’m somewhat appalled that your article appears to be at least implicitly supporting him (although I could be wrong). I expected better from you, Joe.
Good for me is when I cause people to think. Of course, one has to have an open mind and read the entire blog to have that happen the way intended. The headline is aimed to confuse, amuse, and attract readers. It is the reader’s job to fill in the shortcomings of the article, and you did fine on that.
To get the entire picture, one must read the commentary, where the good stuff and Joe’s real views are found.
And, of course, there are many many Duterte supporters. The idea that I should have to write to your interest, or otherwise be judged deficient, is rather like calling me an idiot because I did not write it your way. The whole world is out there, and we ought to discover how they think. It makes for the richest dialogue, I think. It enlarges us all rather than putting us into little boxes that we are afraid to climb out of lest others call us names.
Come to think of it, that’s what Duterte does. Put people into boxes.
I did read the whole article, and you at least mentioned Duterte’s good sides, which is nice. What you could have done though, is to give equal weight to his bad sides (i.e., the other side of the coin; your praise of him was longer than his criticism), then the reader will decide if Duterte is worth it or now.
You are really fully capable of doing your own blog, you know. It is the only way to get it exactly right. The rest of us do the best we can with what we are granted by our Maker.
Excuse me for noticing that there is an intolerant streak in you, ala Duterte. I don’t write blogs for you. I don’t, and won’t. The next one might even push you further, to try to get your mind a little wider open.
Never mind, I re-read the article, and I kind of missed the last paragraph and, thus I missed the whole gist of the article. I’m sorry.
No problem. I thought you must have missed something. The formula was to do an unbiased analysis of his strengths and weaknesses. He does have some executive strengths, I think. But the weaknesses come to a head on the Death Squad issue. He’s too risky for me, for sure, especially when there are stable alternatives. People in this discussion thread – including you – have elaborated on exactly why he is risky.
We argue. That’s what we do best, eh?
Duterte is the type of creature we call the Alpha Male. E.g. of alpha male world leaders — Chavez and Putin.
Their traits – brilliant and charismatic, self-made, self-serving, self-glorifying, very often self-destructive. Very confident to the point of arrogance, great leadership, results-oriented and fearless. Accepts no compromise — you’re either with him or against him, your views don’t matter.
Sure describes Duterte, does it not?
These people are builders of great cities and empires — Alexander the Great, Salladin, Genghis Khan, Hitler, etc.
I shudder at the thought of Duterte.
Duterte is the type of creature we call the Alpha Male. E.g. of alpha male world leaders — Chavez and Putin.
Their traits – brilliant and charismatic, self-made, self-serving, self-glorifying, very often self-destructive. Very confident to the point of arrogance, great leadership, results-oriented and fearless. Accepts no compromise — you’re either with him or against him, your views don’t matter.
Sure describes Duterte, does it not?
========
Ummm, not exactly.
Alpha male, dictator, strong-man rule, yes. In the same category with Chavez and Putin? No. Because……no, just no. Take it from here.
Brilliant and charismatic? No.
Marcos is brilliant and charismatic. So is Lee Kwan Yew. There is a world of difference between the two and Duterte: the world.
Also, I’m not making the comparison in terms of league (for Duterte is surely out of it with the two) but more on the level.
Marcos and Lee during their time made a lot for their country which cannot be said to an ordinary politician. They may have gone their separate ways in terms of infamous and exemplary conduct but their total achievements and accomplishments will show not only brilliance and charisma but their extraordinary intelligence and influence. The two will strike you of how they carry and conduct themselves as statesmen and politicians extraordinaire.
Duterte strikes fear in your heart the way an ex-convict you are about to cross path with in a dark alley does. I can only go as far as here for comparison because its very clear Duterte is wanting in terms of leadership quality, intelligence and exposure with those that I mentioned.
You shudder at the thought of Duterte? For Christ’s sake I’m having nightmare at the thought of him! 😰
When investigating anomalies, they speak of “following the money trail.” For candidates for the presidency, we must strongly suggest “following the blood trail.”
The thing is, Duterte’s approach does not scare investors not to go to Davao. In fact they like the place because it is safe, in contrast to what it was 30 years ago.
In fact democracy has failed for many Filipinos – life is good for only a certain crowd.
The solution is not to suppress democracy: it’s to expand, in your words, the crowd which experiences a good life. Executing people, even criminals, without due process goes against democracy (Disclaimer: I am anti-capital punishment, but even if I were pro-capital punishment, I would rather have the accused be given a fair trial, in case they turn out to be innocent).
As for your statement that investors want to go to Davao because it’s safe there: do you have a source for that? If you can provide one then maybe I’ll gain some respect for him.
Duterte can be compared to Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore. Both are strongmen, and both are said to have brought progress to their locales. But there’s a crucial difference between the two: Lee never resorted to killing squads to instill discipline among Singaporeans. Instead, fines, an efficient justice system (albeit one that has come under flak for allegedly suppressing anti-government critics), among others, were used. Singapore does execute criminals, but they are at least tried to make sure there is evidence to confirm that the accused is guilty. There is a due process. But due process seems to be an alien term to Duterte. (Note: I am aware of Singapore’s anti-subversion laws which state that, under circumstances, in the interest of national security, people can be jailed without a trial, but these people are at least jailed and not *killed*. Also, at least in theory, these laws are only meant to be against people who are detrimental to national security, such as terrorists. By contrast, apparently the Davao Death Squad kills just about any petty criminal, no matter what kind of crime they did.)
The lines below in a post by “neo canjeca” caught my attention and curiosity.
“WHO ARE NOW AND LATER WILL BE AFRAID OF DUTERTE?”
“Who indeed are afraid of DUTERTE…..”
“Are you afraid of DUTERTE?”
“Are you afraid of Duterte…..”
“Who will be harmed more by Duterte the bad citizens or the good citizens?” – neo canjeca
========
I’m assuming that neo will go for Duterte for the presidency and his post, guided by an open mind, is proof of his trust and confidence for the Davao City mayor. The post was clearly a no-nonsense push for the Duterte for president clamor and I think an open expression of support even this early when no one has yet to declare their candidacy is fine.
The office up for grab is the highest one in the country. It’s not a barangay post nor a mayoral seat. Not even the governor’s office. It’s the Office of the President of the country. And being the highest, we expect the candidates and their supporters would operate on a higher level of competition which we all know will focus on the competency, experience, education and their overall qualification for the job.
And that’s the reason why, if I’m in Duterte’s camp, I will not be happy with the ‘push’ that neo made for Duterte. And let me tell why.
The thing I noticed in the narrative was the emphasis on ‘afraid’ or fear and harm. We all know that when we start talking of afraid/fear especially in relation to someone who has the means to unleash and impose such feeling to another person the image or idea of violence immediately comes to mind. Not a good thing to do to someone you are campaigning for.
Instead of asking who are those who are afraid (of Duterte) maybe the correct line should be no one should be afraid and there’s nothing to be afraid of. Actually, the lines of questions above is an implied admission that there is reason to be afraid of (Duterte). That the existence of harm and violence is acknowledged through mentioned of fear and the only undetermined factor is who will be the recipient of such if and when Duterte gets to occupy the Office.
Scary indeed. 😱
What’s also scary is the intolerance of his supporters towards any form of criticism towards him. Criticize him online, and sooner or later expect a Dutertard to come out and unleash ad hominems against you. Well, technically, both sides (pro or anti-Duterte) are guilty of this fallacy, but the pro-Dutertes, from what I have observed, are the more vocal of this fallacy. Dutertards would criticize those who oppose him, saying that critics do not love the Philippines or are just scared of him. Some Dutertards even criticize Human Rights Watch and implicitly (not explicitly) say that they do not care about human rights, as long as criminals get off the map.
I do not support Duterte because I am a supporter of democracy and due process of law, and Duterte’s alleged actions, along with his statements, make me believe that he does not adhere to either of this principles. I am also scared that, if he says true to his statements that he will kill criminals, then he would open a can of worms that could lead to the Philippines becoming a laughing stock of a nation.
I’m on the same page with you on that. And lemme add this.
Duterte is the biggest fish in a small pond in the Visayas. His supporters are imagining that he can sail the high seas of Philippine politics with his strong-arm rule and sheer braggadocio and take the country to greater heights at the back of every criminal that he will kill.
Diplomacy, Human Rights, proactive legislation, economic reforms, fight against graft and corruption, political dynasty and nepotism, etc.? Hey, if there is no killing involve Rudy is out. The ‘Duterte’ name have not become a popular household name in Davao doing those boring matters. Please. 😄
“Diplomacy, Human Rights, proactive legislation, economic reforms, fight against graft and corruption, political dynasty and nepotism, etc.?”
You’ve just enumerated the syllabus for a golden presidency, jameboy. The grading is Pass-Fail only.
Dead has some finality. So better to err at the safe side, avoid to kill the innocent even if that means that you have to let go some criminals. 1 to 2? 1 to 10? If you want to make 100% sure you catch all criminals the ratio will become reverse. What is acceptable, who decides the ratio? The current legal system takes it at the safe side, especially if the concerned have some money.
Ouch….. we need to change the current legal system…paging CJ Sereno and the AJs!
The last big fish who came from a small pond that made Malacanang his natural habitat was Erap. A small town mayor like Duterte. And we all know what happened to him subsequently. He feasted and wine and dine his way to the Palace and eventually he was fried and tried out of it.
Now, there is another former mayor, aside from Duterte, who is aspiring to become the big fish in the biggest pond, VP Binay. Very noticeable is the marked difference between the two men when people speaks about them.
People are afraid of the avalanche on corruption level and the happy-days-are-here-again scenario for his cronies if Jojo Binay gets to be elected as president. With Duterte, the concern is not about corruption but more on extinction.
With the Binays at the helm, the people’s level of fear on the government coffers being raided will be at an all time high. With Duterte holding the reign, the fear of increase in the order for coffins will surely be at an all time high.
Another difference, Makati is quiet on the corruption of the Binays. Davao City, on the other hand, is just “quiet”. Be it about corruption, killings or especially about the Dutertes. Very ‘peaceful’.
Also, the Binays are not known to adhere to violence or intimidation. They maybe violent on the pockets of the Makati people but, so far, human rights violation has yet to appear on the bucket list of the Binays. With the Dutertes, violence and intimidation are their calling/business card.
So, who to vote for, Jojo or Rudy? I think comedienne Elizabeth Ramsey, in a commercial a long time ago, has the answer when she uttered this line,
“Magapatuka na lang ako sa ahas!” (“I’d rather be beaten by a snake!”). 🙂
haha! I loved the last 2 sentences. Agree, totally on the rest. You’re on a roll, jameboy!
Just having fun with you guys, for a change. 🙂
Super wheel commercial ba yon?
Could not remember any more, it was so long ago…
googled it, superwheel nga.
Yes, and please don’t ever think na gano’n na ‘ko katanda. Me nag-remind lang sa akin and the line was popular during the time around early ’80s, I think.
Ok jameboy 🙂
Hey, that hurts. Not! I’m 70+ and I keep telling myself, that’s 2 35-yrs of progressive wisdom. 🙂 (Elizabeth is a little bit too raunchy for me, but the snake line was one of the exceptions.)
That’s a good one, 2 35-years of progressive wisdom. , Watch, listen and learn, youth of the land! The wisdom and experience is the best teacher, beats the trial and error style anytime!
Snake bites. “I’d rather be BITTEN by a snake” is the translation of what she said. Just trying to clarify that more to myself than anyone but I like your new persona, jameboy.
“Another difference, Makati is quiet on the corruption of the Binays. Davao City, on the other hand, is just “quiet”. Be it about corruption, killings or especially about the Dutertes. Very ‘peaceful’.” – JAMEBOY
Makati-nians, COA and Philippine Media WERE quiet on Binay’s yet-to-be-proven corruption. Philippine Media packaged and sold Binays to the naive Filipinos. They were elected. Today, Philippine Media is digging up the wrongs they have done to the Filipinos for putting Binay in the pedestal of power. OBVIOUSLY, PHILIPPINE MEDIA IS FOOLING THE FILIPINOS FOR THE BOTTOM LINE FOR TODAY.
The Senate and the Philippine Media are aware of vigilante forces of Dutertes. The ignorant Philippine Media and equally ignorant Senators are still quiet about Dutertes. WHEN CAN FILIPINOS EVER HEAR THE REAL SCORE OF THE DUTERTES?
Well, Jameboy, The Senators and Philippine Media will create a Binay-like media frenzy in the future.
THE SENATORS AND PHILIPPINE MEDIA ARE GAMING THE FILIPINOS. POOR FILIPINOS. ALWAYS IN THE END THEY ARE THE LOSERS. Still not coming back to Philippines from my self-exile. Not in the near future.
The last line of Joe’s article was this,
“He is, without question, a “real” Filipino.”
Let me guess, that’s Joe’s way in playing with words. I think what he really meant there was this,
“He is, without question, a real Berdugo.” 🙂
(Guys, enough already the pro-Duterte are watching and they don’t like what they’re reading.) 😦
Insert “wink” emoticon here. ;>
I think voting for Duterte is like training to be a trapeze-artist without the net.
Perfect. That’s it. Master of the analogy nails it.
🙂 (He isn’t even promising anything, I feel, except risk)
PHILIPPINE JUSTICE: Binay is found guilty until NOT proven guilty
AMERICAN JUSTICE: Binay is innocent until proven guilty
(Gotta use “BINAY” instead of “ACCUSED”)
It is not the fault of Binay not proven guilty YET. It is the fault of “HONORABLE SENATOR” investigator, law and constitution.
“HONORABLE LAWMAKING SENATORS” investigators are incompetent bunch. Next time they should plug in the holes in law and constitution. IF FILIPINOS DID NOT WANT MORE OF THE SAME.
I bet, Mar and Grace and their cohorts would use Binay-technicalities when they sit in Malacanang.
Stop WEDER-WEDER LAWS AND CONSTITUTION, NOW TOMORROW, NOW!!!
There is a land of behavior between good and bad deed called ethics, the standards professionals use to define behavior that is in the best interest of the profession. Even if the court cases have not followed through, in part because the Binays are masters of delay and diversion and bribe, Jejomar Binay clearly demonstrates behavior that is not in the best interest of the profession, that being Philippine leadership. The evidence is out there every day. Lack of transparency, undermining independent agencies, lying . . . horrid behavior that we would most certainly not want our kids to watch. Like four X behavior.
Got this idea of a spoof.
Wala kaming binayad ng nagpagawa ng elevator sa bahay namin, dahil kay binay. (Preferably an actor who looks like jun jun binay).
We can make a series of spoofs like this.
I wonder if that kind of spoofs are prohibited in popular noontime shows. The masa crowds are so into them, anyway. Talk shows and committee hearing coverages s are being ignored by them. Where else can we reach them? Paging Jim Paredes, Cynthia Patag and company… are there no others from movie world who care enough to join the fight for good governance – for free? It’s hard to reach the D&E crowd.
Inquirer journos are Asia’s best !!!! – INQUIRER HEADLINE
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/124519/inquirer-journos-are-asias-best
Eat your hearts out peeps. Eat your hearts out!!! A sign of Philippines impending doom like it was before.
Inquirer’s (Nancy Carvajal, in particular) expose of pork barrel misuse is worthy of the recognition given. Ditto with their write ups on Renato Corona. Give credit where it is due.
Duterte is not the statesman I envisioned for a progressive Philippines. His tirades about De Lima and the CHR made me think of how he will handle international diplomatic issues and crises. Also, his alleged ties with leftists, communists and extremists, as in peacefully co-existing with them, is not my cup of tea. If the allegation is true, my question is: Why is he going after petty criminals/small fish when some of the elements he is giving the pass to create more misery to the country?
OFF TOPIC: I am deeply affected by what seems to be the pilfering of public properties (manhole covers, road grates, railroad ties, etc) to the detriment of the citizenry (people breaking their legs, falling into manholes and train derailing…). There is a technology called RFID (radio frequency identification) that can be embedded into materials to track public properties. Its well known use is in business inventory but it has been utilized in various scenarios to prevent theft and pilferage. Maybe the DPWH or the department in charge of public safety could look into the possibility of using this technology as a solution. Just my 10 cents.
Excellent assessment of Duterte. Excellent suggestion on manhole covers, et al.
Nice observation, JP! I will forward to proper public use. My cousin is a retired DPW super.
Thank you, sonny. Hope someone will do something about the problem.
A heartfelt THANK YOU is in order to the organizers and participants of the #StopBinay walk in Makati for a successful and peaceful protest. Mabuhay! May there be more to come!
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/697586/stop-binay-group-holds-makati-rally
My thanks to both Buddy Gomez and you Joe — to Buddy Gomez’ for writing that piece “Toby’s fomfoolery brings out Grace’s grit” and to you for putting it in your Must Read.
Buddy covered a lot of grounds there, ending with this thought and his suggestion that Grace Poe be rewarded (and may I add — wholeheartedly take) the challenging special task of being Mar Roxas’ campaign manager :
“As a reward for embracing the mantra of continuity and acceding to run as Roxas’ Vice President, Grace Poe ought to be accorded with every form of unequivocal party support and public recognition. For added glamor cum experience and exposure earned while on the hustings, Grace Poe ought to be rewarded with a challenging special task: That of also being the personal campaign manager of Mar Roxas’ candidacy! This sends a clear message acknowledging her practical indispensability to the pursuit of the Liberal Party’s goals for the country. This is an unprecedented accolade which she richly deserves. By unerringly adhering to a “playbook” anchored upon the continuity of reforms, her Vice Presidential candidacy (undoubtedly, a sure shot!) and campaign managership will avowedly and overtly catapult Grace to be the truly inevitable, good and ready, unquestionably unbeatable Presidential candidate by 2022.”
Beautiful. I hope it comes true.
Me too.
When (not if, fingers crossed here) it comes true, then we will have 18 years of continued economic program, not just to take root but sustainable. By then, the alleged plunderers, if proven guilty will be in jail and not pardoned, enough to be a deterrent against future plunderer legislators and executives (the erring mayors, etc.). The justice system will be given the chance to reform itself, the military strengthened, the citizens healthy and well equipped education wise (CCT and K-12) by a level playing field to be of global standard and not just fit to be housekeepers and maids, even to be provided with gainful employments here to preserve the family units.
Oh what it is to dream, and dream big. Let’s get to work to fulfill, to attain this dream.
I would prefer Duterte for the Presidency come 2016. No candidate could make a better dialogue with the MILF, MNLF and NPA than Duterte. Remember this has been an age-old dilemma and the problem brought by these group would still be around on the coming year. His views on the BBL is the most sensible that I heard by far. His achievement on making the killing capital of the Philippines into becoming the 4th Safest City (Numbeo has just updated recently Davao’s ranking) is something other polticians could even dream of. And remember Yolanda?… Davao’s 911 was the among the first to respond after the disaster… Duterte has made it to the national fame because of showing how to address national concerns. Thinks about this, Iron fist with golden heart and a flaming will to do what is right—DUTERTE…
criminal and drugs is not good for evrybody ,,duterte really don’t like to tolerate people who created-violence like innocent people kill by criminal, snatcher or gang, victim rape, these are common things were facing right now in the philippines . we cannot compare singapore lee kuan in phlippines duterte hehehe! c’mn!
question is how can we solve this problem by higher crimes rates,
duterte is one good example to put into center-view.
to discipline people
and follow the rule law that’s duterte trade!
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some sort stories lee kuan yo and duterte comparing
i wound say that Singaporean culture is different than pilipino culture..
“you know what i mean!”
i think duterte now is perfect and unique politician in my generation.
he always “WARNing” criminals they should top doing bad. if you dont and attempt fight back to authorities – you will die.
fist leadership is what we need now.. he’s the ONE
DDS i don’t believe it. you ask police davao . not direct to the mayor duterte. if bad guys die,maybe they worth it..
for china issue problem, that’s a kind of issue that would be long-term matters..
My reservation about Mayor Duterte has to do with stability of the Philippine nation. When he promises to abolish Congress, what does he mean, exactly? If he were able to represent stability and continuation of Philippine economic growth (to feed the poor) over crime-fighting, I might be inclined to agree with you. But the nation does not need turmoil and going backward, economically, to fight crime. And it needs a Congress, if it is to be a land of laws versus personal rule.
My work gives me opportunity to live in various cities in the country, and that gives me more reason to admire the man and the city that he runs excellently well. If he seems a dictator and ruthless, I believe he is not. In running the city, he has employed former rebels, former generals, church people, businessmen, muslims, activists, IPs, The Hugpong Party that he leads is a coalition of varying political inclinations and social standings. Long before he became a mayor, he has been known to have pleasant relationship with the military, the Left, and the Muslims. As a mayor, he listens as he leads. The achievements of the city is a collective effort of various sectors under his open leadership. People who knew him enough, knows that he is far different from the bully image he projects. The death squad that exists in Davao (where the mayor was notoriously identified) exists in other cities as well. It is an open secret that police operatives in all cities of the country, in their hard fight against criminality, are often lured to do their old habits of short cuts. Most mayors opt to be silent about it, while Duterte opted differently. With the mayor talking harsh warnings against criminals, the city saves money in the anti-crime campaign. The ruthless mayor, some people may have thought him to be, is a mayor who has no qualms of consistently visiting the jail every christmas, negotiates for the release of captives in the mountains, personally give reliefs to victims of disasters and initiate landmark policies designed to protect the poor, women, and children. I have this feeling that this enigma named Duterte will eventually be understood and rightly valued as he is more exposed and presented to the people the way he is greatly loved and valued in Davao and even Mindanao by all walks of life with varying political and religious beliefs.