IT has often been the case that we ask learned individuals to understand the poor more, to empathize with the poor and be with them since the class D and E in the country constitute around 60 percent of the population. More and more, those with pedigrees and advanced education are not seen as being one of them. In 2016, we saw an outlier lord it over those who have prepared for the totem pole of their careers with the garish mayor from Davao being associated with ordinary Filipinos to the point. He talked, cursed and dressed like them as a presidential candidate. His speech was totally different, and he sounded different from those from Luzon.

Duterte's political will and audacity got everyone to look at him. Hearing him talk and cuss all those institutions that have brought the country to where it is became the contrasting element in 2016. Copying him for elections 2022 may not be the right strategy to take because if you have been known to be "unlike Duterte," why would voters support you if you are just a copycat?

Premium + Digital Edition

Ad-free access


P 80 per month
(billed annually at P 960)
  • Unlimited ad-free access to website articles
  • Limited offer: Subscribe today and get digital edition access for free (accessible with up to 3 devices)

TRY FREE FOR 14 DAYS
See details
See details