Late in 2015 until early this year, it appeared inconceivable that a local executive from Mindanao would win the presidential race, lead his closest rival by several million votes, and fascinate local and global audiences alike by his colorful language and maverick ways. During these early stages, the man seemed, at best, only to have been prevailed upon to consider running for the highest post of the land.
And yet it happened. Rodrigo Duterte will be sworn in as the 16th President of the Philippines at high noon today. Much has been said about the way the oathtaking will be conducted: Who will be invited, what they are expected to wear, and even what kind of food will be served. But everyone will be tuned to what Duterte is going to say, and just as important, how he is going to say it.
If we are to go by his initial pronouncements, Duterte will likely assert his fight against criminality and corruption—for him the more pressing issues in the country today. We agree— to some extent. Indeed the illegal-drug trade has done unspeakable damage to individuals, families and societies. Corruption has prevented communities and the entire country from achieving their/its potential. The roots are deep; the claws far-reaching.
There will likely be a description of extraordinary measures that the new administration would undertake in fighting our nation’s ills. There will be pronouncements similarly controversial and equally incendiary to the ones already made. On implementing drastic measures, there appears to be no hesitation on the part of the once-reluctant Duterte.
What we hope for, as well, is a discussion of the less controversial but immensely important fight to achieve, not only rapid economic growth, but a sustainable and inclusive one. The President has named competent people to his economic team; we want to hear concrete, doable plans on how they intend to enable more Filipinos to improve the quality of their own lives. Yes, even if these plans are not couched in bombastic language.
Filipinos voted Duterte into office, likely out of fascination, but also out of frustration at the status quo. The new team must consciously avoid the inadequacies and excesses of its immediate predecessor. The rest of the population that did not support him—he won only by a plurality, anyway—may now be reluctant to place all their fondest hopes on a man who sometimes speaks despicably. They may not be willing to cheer him on as he takes his rightful place in history today.
But this is democracy at work, and this is the only way we can proceed. Whether or not Duterte inspires in us trepidation and embarrassment and indignation, or pride and patriotism and a sense of order, the fact is that today marks the first day of the six years that he will be our leader. We do what we can. We sink or swim with him.