This administration has a habit of setting deadlines for things that must be done. The problem is that the dates are never met, and all they think they have to do is move the targets.
Take the war against illegal drugs. When President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office, he promised that he would eradicate this menace in three months. He launched the campaign with a zeal that matched little else. Oplan Double Barrel, of which Oplan Tokhang was a component, gained notoriety here and abroad because of its methods. Many believed the basic rights of suspected drug addicts and pushers were being violated in the name of the campaign.
The President was—still is—dismissive of what the rest of the world thinks about his methods. The problem, however, was bigger than he had thought. It turns out he would need more time to eliminate drugs here, if that were indeed possible. He asked for another year.
These days, Filipinos grieve for what is happening in Marawi City, where the Maute group launched an attack on May 23. This prompted Mr. Duterte to cut short his trip to Russia and declare martial law in Mindanao.
The initial plan was to end the crisis on June 2. At that time, dozens from both sides had already died, thousands had fled and reports of wanton violence against Christians had been reported. There was the misfortune of soldiers being killed, not by the enemy but by friendly fire.
That deadline came and went. National attention shifted to a man’s rampage at a casino back in Manila.
Two days later, the President committed to another deadline—he said the Maute group would be defeated in three days.
That deadline lapsed, yet again, and the people of Marawi are still on edge even if they had fled. Photos coming in reveal the severity of the loss of property, as well. It will take many years to rebuild what had been lost during the fighting of a few days.
We completely understand that these demands are not simple tasks that must be ticked off on schedule. Every Filipino knows lives are on the line, and solutions—both strategies and tactics—must be carefully planned for best results. The consequences are grave, the stakes high.
We would be fine, really, without specific dates—especially if they are moved anyway because of a host of reasons. We acknowledge the significance of the job that must be done and the risks that must be taken in implementing such plans. Seeing one deadline lapse after another hardly inspires confidence, however, and only serves to erode the credibility of those whose task it is to ensure our safety.
We would be secure in the knowledge that the government is doing its best to combat these enemies. No fixed dates are required, just a promise to do the right things right.