The real betrayal: How Duterte failed the Filipino people

It is ironic that those defending Rodrigo Duterte now claim to fight for justice and democracy when it was his administration that systematically dismantled both. Let’s set the record straight.

The Supreme Court, military, PNP, Senate and Congress – if these institutions have failed, it is because Duterte corrupted them with fear, loyalty tests and power plays. He filled government offices with allies who prioritized serving him over the nation. He weakened democratic checks and balances by silencing dissent, attacking the free press and using lawfare against his critics.

Duterte mocked God, insulted faith and encouraged violence – he called God stupid, demeaned religious beliefs and encouraged a culture of murder and impunity through his brutal drug war, which killed thousands without due process. Many of these victims were innocent, but because Duterte despised human rights, justice was denied to them.

The PNP under Duterte. the police force, which should have been protecting Filipinos, became a death squad for extrajudicial killings. Officers were rewarded for the sheer number of bodies they left behind, regardless of whether those people were guilty.

Duterte betrayed our sovereignty. Instead of defending the West Philippine Sea, he bowed to China, allowing Filipino fishermen to suffer while Chinese vessels occupied our waters. He even admitted that he was afraid of confronting China, despite his tough talk.

Corruption under Duterte. His administration was plagued by multibillion-peso scandals – from Pharmally’s overpriced medical supplies to questionable infrastructure projects. He protected his allies while imprisoning or harassing those who sought the truth.

Duterte weakened the economy. His poor pandemic response and reliance on a militarized lockdown left millions of Filipinos jobless, forcing many into deeper poverty. Meanwhile, his cronies continued to amass wealth.

So to those who say, “We will stand with PRRD,” ask yourselves: why are you standing with a man who stood against the Filipino people? A man who called your God stupid? A man who allowed China to take our seas? A man who encouraged the killings of your fellow Filipinos without justice?

The real betrayal came from Duterte himself. He did not protect democracy – he undermined it. He did not protect the people – he sacrificed them.

Filipinos, wake up. Supporting Duterte is not patriotism; it is blind loyalty to a failed leader. If you truly care for the Philippines, stand for justice – not for a man who destroyed it.

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Gerry Catapang is a doctor of physical therapy, an entrepreneur and writer based in St. Louis, Missouri. Email: dr.catapang @sbcglobal.net