ANTONIO P. CONTRERAS
PRESIDENT Duterte has weathered so much and remains highly popular. His approval ratings are unperturbed despite the concerted efforts by his critics to paint him in a negative light, particularly in mainstream media. He continues to have the upper hand against his political enemies. Allegations of corruption are neutralized every time he sacks an erring official. He is being labeled as a dictator by people who ironically are free to call him as such without fearing arrest. There is hardly any report that political activists have been victims of forced disappearances, torture or illegal detention.