Skewered on a Netflix show

Many thanks to Communications Secretary Martin Andanar for alerting the public about “Patriot Act,” the terrific Netflix series on populist regimes (“Palace denounces Netflix political satire show for ‘demonizing’ Duterte,” 5/16/19). The brilliant Hasan Minhaj does a wonderful job of skewering the Duterte administration, while Andanar’s defense of his boss’ crimes is as limp as a wet noodle.

Minhaj is that multicultural personality only America can produce: an ethnic Indian Muslim with a great sense of humor. His segment on Brazil is an eye-opener on climate change, and his take on India is both fascinating and hilarious.

Viewers unfamiliar with American cultural references will miss some of the fast-paced dialogue, but the fact that Minhaj knows the background of the countries he covers (similarities between Filipinos and Indians, the reference to Jollibee, etc.) makes this program truly riveting.

People in countries like ours where politicians are mired in bad governance need to learn to laugh at ourselves, because life is serious enough as it is.

ISABEL ESCODA, Cebu City