Embattled Senator Leila de Lima called a press conference Wednesday, where she vented her anger and frustration at the Duterte administration’s relentless attacks against her person.
In more than one instance, the senator lost her composure as she bewailed Mr. Duterte’s persecution of her for her alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade at the New Bilibid Prison. The NBP is under the Department of Justice, of which De Lima was secretary during the previous administration.
Duterte had vowed that De Lima would go to jail for her acts. In response, the senator cried: “Arrest me now. Jail me now, I’m here…do what you want to do with me, Mr. President. I’ll wait for you.”
Two days before, De Lima appeared more in control as she asked the President whether he might be attracted to her. For a while, she also taunted her successor at the DoJ, Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre, saying that the accusations against her were as fake as his wig.
Meanwhile, when President Duterte—on his way to Vietnam Wednesday afternoon—was asked whether he indeed might be attracted to De Lima, he feigned collapse and then walked away from the stage. This elicited laughter from the crowd.
We would have laughed, too, except that the discourse has gotten so low that this is no laughing matter. In fact, it’s an occasion for weeping.
These days, being unhinged seems to be the norm. The President, for instance, seems to see his speeches and press conferences as opportunities to rant. Expletives have become common fare for this leader who would stop at nothing to tear down anybody who dared criticize his campaign against drugs. Most Filipinos shrug off this behavior as something that comes from Mr. Duterte’s utter frustration and desire to combat the drug menace.
But what is our recourse when our top officials and the entire nation fixated on just one of our many problems? What happens, then, to the numerous and equally critical concerns—inequitable wealth distribution, for instance, availability of jobs, food security, transportation and infrastructure, among others?
It is true the current exchange of words and accusations make for good entertainment. But we did not vote these politicians to bring us drama or comedy. If we took a step back, we would only shake our heads in frustration over the state to which we have descended.