Democracy does not end when one has casted a vote. It is just the beginning. True democracy is respecting the people’s choice. I may not always agree with the way Duterte speaks, thinks and behaves but He is the one we possibly would have now. He is OUR President and He represents us. Let us see what he’s got. He has done great things in Davao. Now he’s got the Philippines to make better!
– Vergie Balanon
- The youth of the nation need to be taught the real history of the Philippine nation; this should include changing the history books and inculcating in them some level of nationalist and patriotic values without losing their cosmopolitan values.
- The Filipino voters were looking for a ‘quick fix’ to massive poverty and economic instability that have plagued the nation for decades, and they saw that in Duterte;
- The Filipino people need a big dose of human rights education, through schools, civil society organisations, social media, established mainstream media, books, arts and films;
- The progressive sectors, from the moderate to extreme left, have failed to make a dent in their goal of educating the people and left the majority of the population without credible champions for a long time since EDSA.
- Duterte has strong leadership skills in a few areas such as on drugs and crime, however, he remains without clear/strong positions on human rights, women, environment, education, etc; in these, he simply follows and accommodates popular views, even from conflicting sides, e.g. from Jose Maria Sison of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the Marcoses.
- Duterte will preside over a divided nation, and he does not show the ability to heal the division; on the contrary, he might cause more divisions in his goal to placate all quarters.
- Democracy is going to be the victim of Duterte’s inability to heal the divided nation; in what form this will take, we do not know because the Philippine military will be another player to watch. Rightist threats will be a constant.
- Those who did not vote for Duterte will be watching him closely. Let’s hope the passion of this group does not wane, because there are promises he made which will cause massive opposition, such as his plan to bury Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayan and his promise to pardon Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
- The Filipino people is a mixed bag, however, the progressive sectors are now more active than ever. The giant has awakened, so to speak.
- Most positive was the presence of many progressive candidates in the senatorial slate, whether they win or not. Their participation in electoral politics has signalled the rise of grassroots participation, which will eventually wrestle Philippine electoral politics from the elites and traditional politicians. This election is just the beginning for genuine political candidates entering in greater numbers. More will run in the next elections, at all levels – barangay (village-level), local government, provincial, and national. The progressive Left has finally become comfortable in the electoral arena. Watch them use it more effectively in the succeeding elections.
– Melba Marginson
Executive Director
Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Coalition
A bright future for our nation
The view that the world holds of the Philippines is low such as in the areas of crime, airport security and corrupt politicians.
To my knowledge of Duterte and his track record as mayor of Davao city, I am confident that Duterte will help solve these problems effecting the Philippines. In addressing Duterte’s foul mouth, I feel that it’s in anger towards the government and the way in which they are oppressing the people. Maglakaw-lakaw ka sa MEtro Manila during nighttime marealize mo what I mean. (Walk around Metro Manila and you’ll realise what I mean.)
The situation in the Philippines is sobra sobra na (too much). We need a leader who can deliver not a leader who sits in the office doing nothing. I’d like to thank everyone for their continuous support for Duterte’s candidacy. With Duterte’s presidency, it looks like a bright future for our nation.
– Dhez Trillado
Brothers & Sisters for Duterte (Melbourne Chapter)
Change should start from us
The Filipino people have spoken and let’s respect it. Rodrigo Duterte may not be the perfect man for the job of President to some. I agree he needs a good “mouthwash” now that he is President of the country. But his heart is in the right place, so let’s give unity and peace a chance. More importantly, let’s all work together to fight poverty, because the change we so desire should start from us.
– Marisa Vedar
Director
Gawad Kalinga Melbourne
Significant leadership change
Having just come back recently from the Philippines and having witnessed some evidence of the worsening state of the economy in terms of unemployment level, crime rate, drug use, homelessness and hunger in Manila alone, I can fully understand why the need for significant leadership change has dominated the social media in particular. With the latest vote count, it looks like over 15 million people have indicated that Rodrigo Duterte is the one to bring this change.
This is deeply concerning as evidently the majority of our Filipino voters have been swayed or blinded by the so-called “iron-fist” approach of Duterte with his gun-trotting “Dirty Harry” theatrics providing a quick fix to get rid of criminals and corrupt officials to start with.
The Philippines is at centre stage at this time with foreign investors patiently awaiting the election results while the Philippine peso continues to look unattractive with Duterte’s absence of strong economic policies.
Human rights group, on the other hand, like the rest of us are still outraged by the comments made by Duterte regarding the rape of an Australian missionary in 1989, and his patriarchal jokes usually demeaning women. And Duterte seemed unwary of its consequences on international relations.
For someone who also does not hesitate calling the Pope such derogatory remarks not even worthy of repeating, it is deeply concerning how this long-awaited change in the Philippines will be implemented.
Indeed from Ninoy Aquino to Rodrigo Duterte, let us hope and pray it is not a case of jumping out of the pan into the fire. Is this the light at the end of the tunnel? For the sake of peace and economic stability in the Philippines, let us hope that it is some light that will unite and not divide us even more.
– Maria Smith
Australian Filipino Community Services
Do we really want to go back to Martial Law?
We will wait and see if he can do what he promised to do. Let us not forget that we are now in a democratic form of government. I do want crimes to be minimised in our country. We need peace and order so tourist and us, balikbayans will not be afraid of coming back to our country. But I do not think he can eradicate crimes within three to six months. That is very unrealistic. If he will order the police and military the summary executions to criminals, he will be condemned by the international human rights watch dog.
Federalism is possible but very unlikely to happen given the attitude of our politicians. In order for Duterte to succeed with his plan, he will have to declare martial law and dissolve Congress, Senate, and the Supreme Court. Hopefully, he will not be impeached before that. But do we really want to go back to Martial Law? Are we ready to take that risk and accept whatever the consequences? I guess yes, because it is inevitable he will win. Now that he will be president, he should be very careful with his words. Because he will represent our country in the international community. This is just my opinion, I am not saying I am against Duterte I am simply stating the facts. The will of the people has spoken. I just hope they will not regret their decisions later. Let us give him the benefit of the doubt. Who knows, he might solve the big problems of our country. I just hope the Filipinos have chosen the right person as our President and not to expect instant solutions and miracles.
Good luck to all Filipinos and our country.
-Roy Carbungco
President of Pampangueño Club
Emergency Relief Fund for Philippines
Respect and love for each other
RFA (Radio Filipino Australia) does hope with optimism that the Philippines, in its social, political and economic journey, develops as a strong and proud democracy which always respects the rule of law and human rights. No one nation can separate itself entirely from the outside world and its perceptions.
Consequently, all countries should strive to be good international citizens who believe in peace, a modern rule-of-law justice system and respect for all, including how they treat themselves, their guests and neighbours. This would set a good example for other countries to follow.
With a good international reputation, more countries would desire to be, and continue to be genuine supportive friends. This naturally would develop deeper social, political and economic relations at many different levels which would enrich all Filipinos in different ways.
This is a confident, proactive and positive vision which the beloved Philippine national hero and martyr, Dr Jose Rizal, who is also highly respected around the world, would be proud of, and it would be a great gift from the Filipino nation – Handog ng Pilipino – to the legacy and memory of Dr Rizal.
Good societies are built on good spirit and values. Respect and love for each other, as well as protecting civic law and democratic institutions would be what Dr Rizal would expect of all Filipinos, and particularly its elected leaders from the barrio, the city, the provincial and ultimately the national level.
– Radio Filipino Australia
Full of contradictions
I am devastated! I bow my head in shame. The news has now reached the international media and what they say is so embarrassing.
His win is full of contradictions. We claim to be a Catholic country and yet we allow a man who admits to murders; we claim to be educated but we allow a man who is crude, crass and exclaims profanity. There is no logic in their reasoning of the die-hards.
I weep for the Philippines. What happened to us?
– Reader from Sydney
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte represents the forgotten Filipinos especially from Mindanao who suffered years of oppression, poverty, discrimination, inequality and corruption. It is long overdue for the Bisaya who reside in Malacanang. “Bisaya na pud” may be the answer to the change Filipinos are longing for.
President Duterte portrays toughness and bravery; if he uses it to build a strong leadership with compassion, he can put an end to the conflict in Mindanao. So many soldiers and ordinary citizens have died and suffered due to the failure of the government to implement the right solution to the problem. They have neglected to listen to the outcry of sufferings from the poor people because they are blinded with ignorance, greed and power. Rampant drugs and corruption will only be stopped by a leader who is not scared of implementing new laws and ready to die for his country.
For decades the Philippines has been governed by the silent dictatorship of the corrupt government, where the rich become richer and the poor are abused and ignored.
The cry of “Change is Coming” is possible, but won’t happen overnight. It needs sacrifices, discipline, respect, responsibility, commitments, unity and trust and it must start with the President so the Filipinos will follow and abide by the law. The position of the President cannot be neglected, it comes with moral obligation to act accordingly with the right code of conduct to create a government of the people, by the people, for the people so one day all Filipinos will feel proud to say “I am a Filipino, Duterte is my President and he is the best President ever”.
