Don’t wait for Duterte…

THE RISE of Rodrigo Duterte from city mayor to president was largely propelled by his campaign promise to eradicate drug trafficking, criminality and corruption, issues that gravely matter to all sectors of society. Filipinos banked on this promise given that residents of Davao City have affirmed reports about the city’s relatively peaceful atmosphere, which is widely perceived to be the result of Mayor Duterte’s imposition of stern discipline relative to public conduct, which in turn makes them feel safe and secure.

However, I believe Mayor Duterte cannot deliver on his promise to do with the entire Philippines what he did with Davao City—unless all of us will help him.

I hope that the Metro Manila mayors will emulate Mayor Duterte and not wait for the president of the Philippines to tell and teach them what to do and how to do their job.

The big question, however, is: If our local executives cannot even strictly and consistently implement simple laws, like those prescribing that pedestrians cross the streets only at designated crosswalks; that public vehicles load or unload passengers only at designated stops; and that garbage be properly disposed of, do we expect Duterte to accomplish what he promised?

—GWEN R. SUCALDITO, J. Fajardo St., Sampaloc, Manila