Duterte must respect will of voters

As a citizen of this country who believes in the power of democracy, I consider the uncalled-for statements of President Duterte on the capability of Vice President Leni Robredo as improper. To his cohorts, these sudden bursts of remarks are considered excusable, part of his natural flair as a maverick leader.

But the impact of how he expresses them are offensive to the person his statements target. Saying that the Vice President is incapable of succeeding him should not be openly stated. We need to practice diplomacy and tact, and respect the rights of a person, regardless of his or her station in life.

We expect our President to set a good example. But his statements saying that he prefers the likes of a dictator like Marcos rather than Leni Robredo to become his successor are improper.

My respect for President Duterte has been blemished because of this, not because the Vice President is a Bicolano like me, but because I expected him to be diplomatic in his actions as the duly elected leader of our country. At the same time, he needs to consider the democratic principle that Vice President Leni Robredo was also duly elected by the majority of our citizenry.

Therefore, he must bind himself to the will of the people, the same way the rest of those who did not vote for him are duty-bound to give him respect as the duly elected President.

JOSE M. BRIONES, [email protected]