It has been a triumph of democracy in the Philippines, more specifically the victory of the Aquino legacy that was bequeathed to the country exactly 30 years ago (February 1986). Yet in the moment of almost euphoric celebrations, there is a whiff of cynicism across the nation not least because of the President-designate, Rodrigo Duterte’s reckless bombast and direly controversial utterances on emotive, even personal, matters, most particularly his remarks on sex and expressed pledges to kill criminal suspects and those involved in corruption.

Small wonder that his spirited campaign ahead of Monday’s election had somehow projected the man as either an emancipator or yet another ruthless dictator-in-waiting. There is little doubt that Duterte has unnerved the Filipino electorate even before the results were officially declared. His initial remarks do suggest that he cares little or nothing for rules; hence the nickname, “Duterte Harry,” a reference to the Clint Eastwood film character with scant regard for rules. The next President has also been compared to Donald Trump, the US Republican presumptive presidential nominee, for his propensity for inflammable statements. Further comment must await the evolution of governance under an ebullient Head of State, at any rate his address to the nation which must of necessity spell out his agenda.

It is generally expected by the electorate that Duterte’s focus will be wholly on the conduct of administration rather than on the individual or what they call a “stand-up comedy act”. The voters, as indeed in any part of the world, are looking forward to a President who will address the daunting problems of the nation.

Thus far, they have been greeted with chilling bluster that has clothed his signal of intent. The Arab world is a long way from the Philippines; the drastic option of “killing suspects” can raise more problems than it solves, if recent history is any indication. Duterte’s convincing triumph cannot quite obfuscate his audacious promise to eradicate crime and corruption within six months. Given the level of poverty, even in glitzy Manila, his explosive outbursts and curses against inequality and social ills have touched a chord within civil society. In the final stages of his campaign, he was able to attract domestic and international attention with his obscene jokes about sex and rape and anecdotes about his Viagra-based escapades. Domestic issues aside, his decidedly undiplomatic remarks about Australia, the US and China - all key players in the affairs of the Philippines - might impinge on his foreign policy. While he is yet to outline his diplomatic imperatives, he has described himself as a socialist who is wary of the US-Philippine security alliance. At home, he has unnerved the armed forces with his hint that Communist rebels could play a role.

(Asia News Network/The Statesman)
Editorial