Why Duterte will do far better than Aquino

WITH the full-scale media blitz to highlight purported accomplishments of President Benigno Aquino 3rd’s administration, a good number of Filipinos and foreign observers are fretting that after he steps down, the country would go south—that is, go bad, not just go toward Davao, the bailiwick of Aquino’s successor.

In fact, things should improve in crucial areas, especially in fighting crime and drugs, improving security and foreign relations, boosting growth, and enhancing business prospects. Even in Aquino’s avowed priority thrusts of reducing poverty and graft, new President Rodrigo Duterte should outdo him.