Aproud, macho culture dictates that the man of the house is expected to make all the decisions. Nobody should dare question him or point out his excesses and weaknesses.
Anybody bold enough to challenge the leader will risk earning his ire—and who knows what may emerge from this resentment? Cutting words, insults, or a dismissal as a valued member of the group are possibilities.
The man will then proceed with his actions, rightly or wrongly, and perhaps talk more defensively, his ego having been slighted.
These days it appears that President Rodrigo Duterte is becoming that person, slamming or at best ignoring those who dish out advice no matter how well-meaning these may be.
Indeed it appears that his first 100 days in office have gone for much longer than they actually have. This is because instead of focusing on the real ills of the country—economic inequality, security, and yes, illegal drugs—the President and his alter egos have also had to deal with putting out fires that originated from Mr. Duterte’s liberal tongue.
Instead of building and fortifying relationships with existing allies, the President’s tough talk antagonizes them, creating problems that were not even there to begin with.
This is not a children’s playground where being friends with one does not mean becoming enemies with another.
Those who expressed support for Mr. Duterte’s resolute brand of leadership at the outset, like former President Fidel Ramos, are now disappointed at how Mr. Duterte has conducted himself in his first months in office. The counterproductive verbal assaults now have the potential to derail the country from its path to sustainable development.
Those who dare call out the President for his outbursts find themselves mobbed by supporters who readily attack the persons of the critics and who believe their idol can do no wrong.
But nobody can do no wrong, not even the President, despite his election victory by a convincing plurality. Everybody benefits from at least listening to the opinion of others however different they may be.
These days as we plod through the remainder of Mr. Duterte’s six-year term, we can only hope that the members of his inner circle could snap out of being “yes men.” The most valid criticism, after all, comes not from enemies who wish you ill but from friends who genuinely want you to do well.
There is just too much at stake for the President to let his pride get in the way.
