(First published May 13, 2016 at 10:35 p.m.)
The smoke of battle has cleared.
It has become evident that a new president coming from the ranks will lead us in the next six years. Presumptive president Rody Duterte, virtually a political unknown from Mindanao, has changed the landscape of Philippine politics with his insurmountable lead based on the partial, unofficial results from the Commission on Elections transparency server.
It has shown to all and sundry that the Philippine electorate has matured enough to choose the leader they want to rule. Gone are the days where the elitist spirit has dominated and influenced the political arena; days where the proletariat are influenced and dictated upon by the elitist whom to vote. Finally, the masses are now their own men.
The phenomenon that is “Duterte” has caught the fancy of the Filipinos that despite whatever was thrown at him has not effectively swayed the interest of the voters. The underdog image of Duterte has created an added premium to voters and even attracted the undecided ones. The silent majority that was being claimed by the opposition that belongs to them seem to have become mute.
The apprehensions about the instability of the economy that will be created by a Duterte presidency, a myth created by the opposition is baseless. Whoever takes the throne of power will have to start from where the current administration will leave to preserve the growth achieved by the outgoing regime, if really there was one. Prudence dictates that the incoming administration should employ a gradual change in policies to achieve a sustainable growth, a growth not thwarted by an abrupt change in policies, often experienced by a change in regime resulting into an economic misdirection. A common “intentional error” committed by the new regime if the outgoing rule is a political adversary.
Prudence dictates that the incoming administration should employ a gradual change in policies to achieve a sustainable growth, a growth not thwarted by an abrupt change in policies, often experienced by a change in regime resulting into an economic misdirection.
With the resounding mandate that Mayor Duterte has received, it is very clear that the populace believes in the principle that he is espousing. The first order of the day for the elected president is to put the house in order by accomplishing promises that will evidently make his presence felt. First things first, criminality and its control should be at the top of his priority in the first three months of his rule because this area is what makes him click to his supporters.
It is pretty evident that his platform on peace and order was the reason behind the people's clamor for a Duterte presidency. A fulfillment of this campaign promise will not only satisfy the people in the grassroots but will create an environment that is conducive for investment. It will also become apparent that his administration is serious in carrying out his banner platform that will provide businesses an environment free from threat and other perils.
It is pretty evident that his platform on peace and order was the reason behind the people's clamor for a Duterte presidency. A fulfillment of this campaign promise will not only satisfy the people in the grassroots but will create an environment that is conducive for investment.
As what has been promised and what has been practiced in Davao, Duterte will be a hands-on president. That will put him at the forefront of the situation and where the action is. The people who voted Duterte sees in him a leader that they were looking for — a leader that will objectively identify the priority needs of the country and not merely publicize the economic growth where only the affluent benefit.
As what has been promised and what has been practiced in Davao, Duterte will be a hands-on president. That will put him at the forefront of the situation and where the action is.
The people are now pinning their hopes that a genuine change is in the offing. A change not primarily centered on an economic growth classified by exclusivity. An economy that should be inclusive — that will redound to the benefit of the people in the grassroots, where joblessness will be a thing of the past and overseas Filipino workers (OFW) will have an opportunity to work locally rather than leave their family to toil in foreign soil.
The magnitude of vote difference between Duterte and the second place is enough to erase doubts that people want a genuine change. This resounding mandate could be perceived as a repudiation of the Aquino regime and a denunciation of an elitist rule that has long dominated Philippine politics for quite a time. The percentage turnout of voters at around 81 percent in the recent presidential election, one of the highest in electoral history, was more of a show of force by the people that they want their voices to be heard.
This resounding mandate could be perceived as a repudiation of the Aquino regime and a denunciation of an elitist rule that has long dominated Philippine politics for quite a time.
The perceived effectiveness of political machinery, political experience, name-recall or popularity and money has been proven to be ineffective whenever the people will collectively clamor for a change. The decisive lead of Duterte was a clear writing on the wall that people are expecting much from his administration, and “President Duterte” no less is expected to deliver us to a better life, a life where previous leaders failed to provide to many expectant Filipinos who have grown tired of a mediocre leadership.
Emmanuel J. Lopez, Ph.D. is an associate professor at the University of Santo Tomas and the chair of its Department of Economics. Views reflected in this article are his own. For comments email: doc.ejlopez@gmail.com