TOO MANY negative stories and commentaries have been said, heard and read on media about President-elect Rody Duterte. And members of the so-called Fourth Estate were appalled by his statement on media killings, which seems to have hit their ego because Duterte pointed out a reality about their profession, which they refuse to admit. This, even as European Union journalists recognize that a lot of media killings in the Philippines were triggered by corruption.
But we should also realize that President-elect Duterte was not issuing a license to kill corrupt media people. He was only emphasizing the demands “professional and ethical journalism.” Because sometimes, the media forget that even as watchdogs of government, they have a duty to engage in “constructive criticism,” not just whine when a person refuses to play their game. Duterte is correct: When a journalist attacks a person for money like a propagandist does, then he/she has one leg already in the grave because definitely he/she will create enemies in the process.
I voted for Duterte last election, and not a day goes by that I am not proud I did. You know why? Because he was the only presidential candidate who had the credibility to say he would cut red tape in our bureaucracy, which he has already done in Davao City. Now he is offering the Left and rebel groups a role in government by appointing some of their supporters to his Cabinet (a genius move). And he says he will institute a liquor ban for all, curfew for minors and driving speed limits—all this to apply nationwide (already in effect in Davao City).
So the media should stop reporting negative stories and comments about Duterte. They should look at the bigger picture, beyond his foul mouth and brash talk; or at his plans for the country and tell the nation about these plans. Let Duterte do his job. Let us stop complaining until he takes his oath as the 16th president of the Philippines. Let us do away with our crab mentality.
All of us have a duty to fight and serve our country at all costs. How can we transform this country for the better when all we do is whine like cry babies? Wake up, Philippines! We should be very proud to have Duterte as president because he is the only one who has the political will and moxie to do everything for the good of all Filipino people.
—JON V. ZULUETA, jonzulueta01@gmail.com