Change in Duterte’s speaking style sought

I wish to comment on the letters of Rudy L. Coronel and Raffy Rey Hipolito, both of which appeared in the Sept. 27 issue of the Inquirer.

In relation to Coronel’s letter (“Don’t ask Duterte to change, accept him as he is,” Opinion), it’s high time President Duterte changed his manner of speaking before the public. He should be more refined in his language. Admittedly, many times his words were that scathing during his days as mayor of Davao City. But he is no longer just a mayor of a city, he is now the president of the Philippines, a head of state.

He is educated, so perhaps it’s not that difficult for him to transform his rude ways.

On Hipolito’s letter (“Who really is destroying our country’s image?,” Opinion), I agree fully that it’s not Sen. Leila de Lima who is destroying the country’s international reputation; it’s Mr. Duterte himself—his bad mouthing of the Holy Father, the head of the United Nations, the president of the United States, and the European Union.

The President has even belittled the international credit raters. Look at what is happening now to our peso vis-à-vis the US dollar—it’s at an all-time low since seven years ago. I think his advisers should take time to correct his mindset for our sake, the Filipino people, and in order to maintain the country’s economy.

EDUARDO MISLANG