I’M JUST wondering: Who are these Filipinos in the United States set to destabilize and possibly oust President Duterte? And why?
What gives these traitors to their native land the right to try to destabilize and try to oust President Duterte when they are no longer Filipinos, technically speaking?
I’m not discounting the fact that things like these have a tendency to escalate into something dangerous for a sitting president. But do they mean they’d rather have Vice President Leni Robredo, rather than Duterte, lead the country? My gulay, I’d rather have Duterte, warts and all, than go back to the days of incompetence and hypocrisy of BS Aquino.
What has Mr. Duterte done to merit ouster? His war on drugs, criminality and corruption? Allegations of summary killings and human rights violations? All these still have to be proven.
I believe that as a whole, Duterte’s war on drugs has made the people believe once again in government and in their leaders to keep them safe.
This is validated by recent poll surveys that say President enjoys 91-percent trust ratings. This confirms that in people’s minds, Duterte is the leader they deserve and want.
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In the same vein, while I would rather have Duterte as president, I am also wondering where he is leading us.
In fact, I am beginning to have a sense of deja vu especially since he proclaimed a “National Emergency on Account of Lawless Violence.” I felt that was one step away from a declaration of Martial Law or a revolutionary government.
And now we discover that hundreds, if not thousands, of politicians, uniformed men and celebrities are in the drug trade. Will Duterte take that step? Or won’t he?
The President is seeking to extend his war on illegal drugs for another six months. This is an admission that the war on drugs cannot be achieved with the ordinary powers of a president.
I recall Duterte’s promise upon assumption of office that he would resign if he is not able to eradicate the drug menace in three to six months. That promise keeps ringing in my ears.
I have always believed that the drug problem is multi-faceted. Going after all drug lords, financiers, protectors, pushers and addicts who also become dealers is just one part of solution. The more difficult part is the rehabilitation of drug dependents
The government is only realizing this now, finding out how costly the building of rehabilitation facilities could be. It does not just mean building structures. It also means hiring specialists to man the centers. This translates to billions of pesos.
I know for a fact that out of 100 drug dependents rehabilitated, 25 eventually return to their addiction.
I believe it’s time for President Duterte to face reality. His war against illegal drugs can only diminish the drug trade, not eradicate it.
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We mark the proclamation of Martial Law at midnight of Sept. 21. I think, however, that we should not only recall the dark days. Yes there were dark days—but there were also bright ones.
Lest I am mistaken for glossing over Martial Law atrocities, we should not forget that Martial Law broke the backbone of the communist insurgency and the Muslim secessionist movement.
I say to these people, forgive but don’t forget. Filipinos have forgiven, but not forgotten the atrocities of the Japanese in World War II. I saw with my own eyes how families of suspected guerrillas were beheaded by the Japanese. But, we, Filipinos have forgiven Japan.
Santa Banana, hadn’t Marcos imposed Martial Law, the communist insurgents would have brought real trouble into the country.
Note that most of those recalling the dark days of Martial Law were members of the communist movement themselves and their supporters.
Martial Law also had its golden days. It started the renaissance of arts and culture with the former First Lady Imelda Marcos, which placed the country in the map. In 1976, she helped build the luxury hotels we now have in Manila, Pasay and Makati. These gave impetus to foreign tourism. The Miss Universe pageant was held here.
I am saying all these for the record. Most media people have been products of anti-Marcos and anti-Imelda regimes, forgetting that Martial Law also had its good points.
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I have always considered September as the most significant month in my over 66 years as a journalist. Martial Law gave me the opportunity to found and organize the KBP or Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas, a self-policing body which remains relevant and vibrant today. It was also the start of 365 Club of which I am the only living founder and now chairman emeritus.
The 365 Club in fact, marks its 44th anniversary this coming Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Holiday Inn Suites in Makati City.