A new era with President Duterte

Firstly, my congratulations to Rodrigo Duterte. He ran an amazing race, from nowhere to president. It was a phenomenon that sent a very strong message to anyone who wants to listen. That “anyone” is a politician. The public has had enough of the machinations of politicians more intent on bickering than getting things done. And on a judicial system that, quite simply, is not working.

It’s the same in America. The unreal ascent of Donald Trump is not Donald Trump, it’s “Fed-Up.” They’re also desperately unhappy with a leader who grows the economy—without them. Trickle down or, better, flood down, didn’t occur.

In 2010, 2.8 million were without a job; 2.4 million were in 2015. No real gain. Those in poverty (and that’s defined at the absurdly low level of P52/day—who could live on that?) were 24.2 million in 2013, 25.8 million in 2014. Social Weather Stations says 7.6 million in 2011, 11.2 million in 2015. It’s the greatest indictment of President Aquino’s rule.

Could this be the beginning of real change? I’m not frightened of a looming dictatorship; it’s not in Duterte’s nature, as I read it. Assertive control, yes. A determination to get things done over the objections of the “system,” yes. He’ll ride roughshod over those who don’t get things done, or trying to prevent things from getting done.

The campaign was electioneering bombast, and it worked. I expect that the reality will be quite different. He will be a leader who won’t go around killing criminals, but he’ll certainly demand—and get—far more effective police work. Criminals will get caught at a much greater level.

I detailed much of what I think he’ll do in my column last week. Once the dust settles and we hear of his early pronouncements and decisions, we’ll be able to take those issues forward further.

* * *

Let me now turn my space over to Nikki, my daughter, because I think it says well what the millennials think and want.

“I’ve been silent about the elections so far because I am not a registered voter here, so felt I had no right to contribute. But there have been so many people expressing fear and disbelief at our choice of President around me, both locally and overseas, so here is my two cents’ worth as to why my (half) nation picked Duterte.

“In one sentence: We are desperate for change.

“It really is that simple. The upper class and the foreigners and the businessmen may all be shaking their heads as they believe continuity is key. Let’s not scare away foreign investments. Don’t threaten our businesses. Be mindful of international relations.

“But the Filipino people, the poor majority, do not benefit from the wealth and the foreign investments. The Filipino people live in poverty and fear and hopelessness.

“GDP and FDI and the opinion of the late-night TV show hosts mean nothing to them.

“So they are taking a gamble on Duterte. They are voting for someone who is not like any of our other politicians. They are beginning to believe we need a firm hand to rule us. They are willing to give up some of their freedoms in the hopes that this is the change we need for better lives. They will forgive his crassness for the novelty of someone who appears genuine.

“Maybe they are wrong to assume Duterte will be good for this country. Maybe not. But until we can begin to understand what life is like for them, then we cannot judge their choices. We sit in our securely guarded apartments and villages, we know nothing of the desperation they must feel.

“So, even though I did not vote, I stand behind my country’s choice in leader.

“High risk, high reward/failure, he may be. But if anyone can rebuild a fallen nation if he does fail, it’s the Filipino people.

“So, let’s do this, Philippines. Let’s support the change and see where it takes us. Change is never easy but it’s never been more necessary than right now.”

* * *

Congratulations also to Leni Robredo, another phenomenal win, from nowhere just eight months ago to vice president for a woman who has more than proven her worth for the position. A win for another non-“trapo,” reinforcing even more that people want change in what kind of leader the country wants. I’d like to hope that Bongbong Marcos will act the gentleman and graciously accept the result, and not go to the Presidential Electoral Tribunal to challenge the result. Her calming nature is what the country needs now.

There’s a third congratulatory message to be delivered, and that’s to Andy Bautista and all those who worked tirelessly at the Commission on Elections, plus the ever-dedicated teachers and volunteers, in producing smooth, quick and uncontested elections. It’s a model that many others in the world may want to emulate. The glitches that occurred were inevitable in such a complex system, and too small to be of consequence.

For Duterte, it’s time to reach out to the business sector again. They need to know where he’ll be heading, what will be his policies and plans. New investment is dependent on it. Ongoing business need the reassurance; he’s too much of an unknown factor to business. He has treated them well in Davao, so will he now do so at the national level? With some detail. There’s a future to plan for here, for all of us.

A new era is about to start.

* * *

E-mail: [email protected]; Read my previous columns: www.wallacebusinessforum.com.