NOW is the time to glue our eyes on President Rodrigo R. Duterte and watch him how he does the trick with his iron fist.
Cutting to the chase, Duterte waters the seeds of hope in the hearts of every Filipino who did want nothing but more deserving governance for themselves. Today, June 30, he leads the oath to presidency, to rule supreme as the 16th president of the Republic of the Philippines. And so fanatics will once again rejoice, as their presidential bet takes over the seat at the Palace.
The intense, changing notions of accountability and transparency in politics are surface clear. The ruling of Duterte in the local and national elections means a bigger serve of justice to the abused, the hapless and to the abandoned, starting from the way we employ discipline in ourselves, and a greater capacity in nation-building. And yes, he is your chosen father ready to whip your butt out, when you no longer recognize his authority with due respect—bloody fearing, he is.
And in this moment, this divisive nation faces another threshold, now that Duterte’s “crime-free and peaceful Philippines” makes a clamor even louder, bigger.
”[President Rodrigo R. Duterte]…has the character of a true servant-leader, ready to sacrifice for his people’s sake. He is a peacemaker, healer and a unifier, as seen in his efforts to win the respect and support of the rebels.”—Charito Ching Plaza, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan
“Para sa mga katutubo, maipatupad nawa ang pantay na pagkilala sa kanilang karapatan bilang [mga] mamamayan ng bansa. Ang seguridad sa kanilang mga tahanan (ancestral domain) ay kasabay ng pagligtas sa nasisirang kalikasan ng bansa.” —Abigeil Francisco, Lyceum University of the Philippines
“For so long, I demanded little and expected little from our government officials…. [President Duterte] made me believe that real, palpable change is still possible. You made me believe that not only do Filipinos deserve better; we could also be better.”—Martha Herrera, Eton Properties
“For the technical-vocational industry, we expect the new administration to be able to provide real and true job security for the graduates, as well as long term-investment for the industry leading to international recognition. It’s time we go global, and I expect the support of [the] Duterte administration.” —Tony Galvez
“In his campaign sorties, he would kiss the nation’s flag and empathically introduce himself. But what struck me the most…is his willingness and readiness to offer his own life for the sake of his people. Since then, there’s been no turning back for this proud ‘Dutertard.’”—Rommel Natanauan, Department of Tourism