Duterte’s bid to cling to power by any means

President Duterte has idiotized the Filipino voters like no past president had, as shown by his “high approval rating” to this day. This is precisely why he has become so bold as to announce that he is available for a second term by running for vice president, with the obvious intention of immediately eliminating the dummy he picks to run for president. If the voters bought his improbable bravado about “jet-skiing” to the West Philippine Sea in defiance of China, they would most likely believe more of the false promises coming out of his mouth.

The framers of the Constitution had fixed the term of the president to be no more than six years. But they clearly failed to reckon with the shamelessness of a president who wants to cling to power longer by any means, fair or foul. Didn’t they ever see how mischievous many of our politicians have been—going up and down the ladder ad nauseam as they reached their term limits, and getting away with it?

There is a saying: If the letter killeth, the spirit that giveth life should prevail. Now, is it the other way around? The spirit killeth Mr. Duterte’s bid for another term, but the letter giveth it life! The plain language of the Constitution does not prohibit his run for vice president, and therefore allows it—so scr*w the “spirit”?

God, please spare this country from more COVID-19 misery—and especially from more of Mr. Duterte, who was said to be “praying” for divine guidance if he should run for vice president or not, despite having called Thee you-know-what. Let not his blasphemy cause us all this suffering. Hirap na hirap na po ang Pilipinas. Parang awa N’yo na po!

Nimfa Rina Ricafort,[email protected]