This a sensitive and helpful article in helping us understand Filipino political culture and President Duterte’s high approval ratings for his ‘war on drugs’. I think the analysis could be complemented in two ways: by situating the violence in the general context of ‘guns, goons and gold’ that is claimed to be the key to electoral success in the Philippines.
Furthermore we need to contextualize the present ‘war’ (one that only Duterte himself can declare over and won for ‘drugs’ like ‘terror’ cannot sign a surrender document, unlike a nation-state) with Duterte’s other policies and practices. Here there is a paradox, despite his machismo demeanor on crime, in other areas he is far more conciliatory, for example in his laudable attempts to end the left wing insurgency and also to finally get the agreement on ending the islamo-separatist insurgency in Mindanao passed by the Filipino Congress. Duterte was also the east economically nationalist of the candidates in the presidential elections and his approval by the business community most be noted. On the international stage I am perplexed by his decision not to build on the decision of the International Arbitration Commission in the Hague in favor of the Philippines concerning the South China Sea. Indeed his appeasement of China seems at odds with his “Duterte Harry” persona domestically.
Therefore, as I have suggested in reply to a previous article, the ‘war on drugs’ can be seen as a smokescreen to draw attention from other policies and praxis. By occupying the domestic stage the ‘war on drugs’ distracts from a lack of initiatives to deal with the Philippines poverty and gross inequality as well as tackling the nepotism and corruption that eat at the heart of the Filipino polity.
Excellent summary, having survived the Marcos years, I agree Duterte is just a continuation of a deep rooted problem.
As for the future, Duterte claims to be not afraid, he will learn soon enough that some of his Filipino opponents are not afraid either. They can be a feisty bunch when push comes to shove.
If you have to choose between Russia, China and USA for aid/$, which country you will, Neptunian ? Are u a toad in the deep well now ? Google and be smart at last…
Congratulation to Philippines,
R.I.P. Restituto Castro is a victim of dictator Duterte.
Duterte was a gangster head of Davao Death Squad.
In PDP Laban party meeting Duterte spoke in Tagalog, “Gusto kong tawagan, ‘Pope putang ina ka, umuwi ka na. ‘Wag ka nang magbisita dito.
In 2016, 27 years after the 1989 Davao hostage crisis incident, Duterte made remarks in one of his campaign rallies relating to the 1989 hostage crisis and the raping of the Australian missionary. Duterte made the controversial joke on April 12, when he talked to a crowd about Australian missionary Jacqueline Hamill who had been kidnapped, raped and killed in 1989 and said, “She was so beautiful. I thought, the mayor should have been first. (Duterte was Davao’s mayor).
That is exactly the kind of arguements the islamic guys are using – a just war –
All the bombings etc etc are not terrorist acts, just a “just war”.
I stand by what I said. When you bring God or Allah into the picture, you can justify anything. I will change my mind when I hear a big booming voice from the heavens that goes ” stop this killings or I will wipe out the earth and start all over….”
As long as the main ethnic groups like Shans and Kayins insist on reforming the seven administrative divisions (Pyi-ma) as one Burman State with same rights and privileges as each of the seven states (Pyi-nal) this Pin Lone Conference will get nowhere. The repeat of 1962 again.
The extrajudicial killings in Philppines and the bombings are primarily a domestic issue.
The ” weak kneed” attitude in gifting Philippines position in the South China Sea is an International issue of great magnitude. My Chinese friends tell me they stimate the Chinese military to take out the Philippine military in 48 hours. As true as that may be it would give Philippines Allies time to respond and get involved. Now that won’t be necessary as Duterte has stated ” We ain’t going to fight!”
Of further concern is his unprecedented refusal to meet the head of United Nations, unprecedented.
He only has one thing that we must acknowledge he does what he says unlike most world leaders. But it will still end in disaster as did Thaksin’s war on drugs.
“Events… dear boy, events” as a former British PM once said to a junior colleague as to what are the greatest challenges in politics and foreign relations.
The declaration of a “state of lawlessness” – the first stage before a stage of emergency and the declaration of martial law – by President Duterte after the bombings can be interpreted either as a moderate (for him untypical) response, or as a first graduated step in following in the steps of his hero Marcos. If the latter is the case Imelda Deinla’s thesis would be confirmed.
At this point the declaration has the advantage of placating the military who, I gather, are not too happy with the peace negotiations with the armed wing of the Communist Party. Under a “state of lawlessness” the military assists the police in policing.
As several commentators have noted Duterte’s “war on drugs” is very popular as, indeed, in the early 2000s was Thaksin’s similar “war” in Thailand with approval ratings in the 80%. We now know that at least half of the 2 000 or so Thai victims had nothing to do with the drug trade. Also as in the Philippines today the vast majority of the victims were from the poorest sections of society.
Like George W. Bush’s “war on terror” how do you know when the enemy is defeated? Who signs the armistice? Obviously no one. It will be up to Duterte to declares “victory” at a moment that is convenient for him, which I doubt will be soon. Duterte’s war can be seen as a monumental diversion obviating the need to deal with the chronic problems of Filipino society: poverty, gross inequality and corruption and nepotism amongst some of the powerful. It also draws attention away from his weak-kneed defense of Filipino national interests in relation to the PRC.
Tattoos are certainly not the story. If indeed the photos are real, the CP should be seeing a psychiatrist for wearing such an outfit at his age in public. He “might” be able to pull it off if he was fit and trim, but he’s anything but. Didn’t he look in a mirror?
Thein Sein’s government and Min Aung Hlaing’s Tatmadaw were the political and military wings of the same outfit so of course ASSK has her work cut out in a tricky balancing act. All these groups have better faith in the Lady’s sincerity in the desire for peace than Thein Sein or Min Aung Hlaing’s pious platitudes. The point is how if at all she can put pressure on the intransigent generals to come to her way of thinking in achieving an enduring peace throughout the land. And not least for pragmatism to prevail among the ethnic groups armed or otherwise.
Seriously! Do you classify the US as a Christian country? If yes, then please explain the Atomic bombs on japan – NOT 1 but 2. How does that gel with “thou shall not kill”?
Please stop quoting or raising religion as a “standard”. Worst possible example – thru the ages, religion killed more people than all the diseases put together.
The 10 commandments cover lying, stealing, killing, adultery honouring the family which are the basis for laws in almost every country except the People’s Republic of China. That does not mean folk obey unfortunately. Crosby Stills Nash and Young are good, very good. Bob Dylan also.
The Ten Commandants aren’t the basis of law in any country that I am aware of and play no role at all in the majority of the world, which is not Christian.
More importantly, Christians themselves hardly pay any attention to it:
“Too many people have lied in the name of Christ
For anyone to heed the call.
So many people have died in the name of Christ
That I can’t believe it all.”
But you were absolutely right Chris Beale: the recent bombings were keeping foreign tourists surging in arrivals in Thailand (18%) and that in turn keep the Thai Baht high.
So maybe your other take ” . . . That upward trend in the baht reflects the Thai elites’ desire to move as much as possible of their liquid assets into safe haven US dollars . . .” How the draining of Thailand’s foreign currency reserves by Thai elites (if you are right Chris, but of course you are!) would the Thai Baht keeps me shaking my head again . . . But when it comes to economic matters … I should stop questioning you Chris.
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The Duterte paradox
A lot of folks refer to the law.
Ferdinand Marcos was asked by an aid whether a proposal was lawful.
” Ako ang Kautusan” he replied. Marcos is the law.
Duterte is a continuation of the idea of the leader being the law itself.
A shroud of violence in the Philippines
This a sensitive and helpful article in helping us understand Filipino political culture and President Duterte’s high approval ratings for his ‘war on drugs’. I think the analysis could be complemented in two ways: by situating the violence in the general context of ‘guns, goons and gold’ that is claimed to be the key to electoral success in the Philippines.
Furthermore we need to contextualize the present ‘war’ (one that only Duterte himself can declare over and won for ‘drugs’ like ‘terror’ cannot sign a surrender document, unlike a nation-state) with Duterte’s other policies and practices. Here there is a paradox, despite his machismo demeanor on crime, in other areas he is far more conciliatory, for example in his laudable attempts to end the left wing insurgency and also to finally get the agreement on ending the islamo-separatist insurgency in Mindanao passed by the Filipino Congress. Duterte was also the east economically nationalist of the candidates in the presidential elections and his approval by the business community most be noted. On the international stage I am perplexed by his decision not to build on the decision of the International Arbitration Commission in the Hague in favor of the Philippines concerning the South China Sea. Indeed his appeasement of China seems at odds with his “Duterte Harry” persona domestically.
Therefore, as I have suggested in reply to a previous article, the ‘war on drugs’ can be seen as a smokescreen to draw attention from other policies and praxis. By occupying the domestic stage the ‘war on drugs’ distracts from a lack of initiatives to deal with the Philippines poverty and gross inequality as well as tackling the nepotism and corruption that eat at the heart of the Filipino polity.
A shroud of violence in the Philippines
Excellent summary, having survived the Marcos years, I agree Duterte is just a continuation of a deep rooted problem.
As for the future, Duterte claims to be not afraid, he will learn soon enough that some of his Filipino opponents are not afraid either. They can be a feisty bunch when push comes to shove.
The Duterte paradox
If you have to choose between Russia, China and USA for aid/$, which country you will, Neptunian ? Are u a toad in the deep well now ? Google and be smart at last…
The Duterte paradox
Same for Catholic Vietnameses, go to the church on Sunday to ask forgiveness and then repeat the sins again and again.
The Duterte paradox
Congratulation to Philippines,
R.I.P. Restituto Castro is a victim of dictator Duterte.
Duterte was a gangster head of Davao Death Squad.
In PDP Laban party meeting Duterte spoke in Tagalog, “Gusto kong tawagan, ‘Pope putang ina ka, umuwi ka na. ‘Wag ka nang magbisita dito.
In 2016, 27 years after the 1989 Davao hostage crisis incident, Duterte made remarks in one of his campaign rallies relating to the 1989 hostage crisis and the raping of the Australian missionary. Duterte made the controversial joke on April 12, when he talked to a crowd about Australian missionary Jacqueline Hamill who had been kidnapped, raped and killed in 1989 and said, “She was so beautiful. I thought, the mayor should have been first. (Duterte was Davao’s mayor).
The Duterte paradox
Duterte is a dictator above the laws. It’s another Venezuela in the making….
Communists and contradictions in Vietnam
Bùi Quang Vinh is a downing star and already forced to retire… Your understanding of VN communists is very poor or naive…
The Duterte paradox
That is exactly the kind of arguements the islamic guys are using – a just war –
All the bombings etc etc are not terrorist acts, just a “just war”.
I stand by what I said. When you bring God or Allah into the picture, you can justify anything. I will change my mind when I hear a big booming voice from the heavens that goes ” stop this killings or I will wipe out the earth and start all over….”
A vicious cycle of coups and constitutions
VichaiN – “the truth is so fragile, it needs a body of lies to protect it”, Winston S. Churchill. Very apt for Thailand, especially now.
Same old wine, brand new bottle
As long as the main ethnic groups like Shans and Kayins insist on reforming the seven administrative divisions (Pyi-ma) as one Burman State with same rights and privileges as each of the seven states (Pyi-nal) this Pin Lone Conference will get nowhere. The repeat of 1962 again.
The Duterte paradox
Neptunium the atomic attacks could be justified as Christian under the Augustinian Christian argument of a “just war”.
The Duterte paradox
Very good summary David,
The extrajudicial killings in Philppines and the bombings are primarily a domestic issue.
The ” weak kneed” attitude in gifting Philippines position in the South China Sea is an International issue of great magnitude. My Chinese friends tell me they stimate the Chinese military to take out the Philippine military in 48 hours. As true as that may be it would give Philippines Allies time to respond and get involved. Now that won’t be necessary as Duterte has stated ” We ain’t going to fight!”
Of further concern is his unprecedented refusal to meet the head of United Nations, unprecedented.
He only has one thing that we must acknowledge he does what he says unlike most world leaders. But it will still end in disaster as did Thaksin’s war on drugs.
The Duterte paradox
“Events… dear boy, events” as a former British PM once said to a junior colleague as to what are the greatest challenges in politics and foreign relations.
The declaration of a “state of lawlessness” – the first stage before a stage of emergency and the declaration of martial law – by President Duterte after the bombings can be interpreted either as a moderate (for him untypical) response, or as a first graduated step in following in the steps of his hero Marcos. If the latter is the case Imelda Deinla’s thesis would be confirmed.
At this point the declaration has the advantage of placating the military who, I gather, are not too happy with the peace negotiations with the armed wing of the Communist Party. Under a “state of lawlessness” the military assists the police in policing.
As several commentators have noted Duterte’s “war on drugs” is very popular as, indeed, in the early 2000s was Thaksin’s similar “war” in Thailand with approval ratings in the 80%. We now know that at least half of the 2 000 or so Thai victims had nothing to do with the drug trade. Also as in the Philippines today the vast majority of the victims were from the poorest sections of society.
Like George W. Bush’s “war on terror” how do you know when the enemy is defeated? Who signs the armistice? Obviously no one. It will be up to Duterte to declares “victory” at a moment that is convenient for him, which I doubt will be soon. Duterte’s war can be seen as a monumental diversion obviating the need to deal with the chronic problems of Filipino society: poverty, gross inequality and corruption and nepotism amongst some of the powerful. It also draws attention away from his weak-kneed defense of Filipino national interests in relation to the PRC.
Royal ink
Tattoos are certainly not the story. If indeed the photos are real, the CP should be seeing a psychiatrist for wearing such an outfit at his age in public. He “might” be able to pull it off if he was fit and trim, but he’s anything but. Didn’t he look in a mirror?
Same old wine, brand new bottle
Thein Sein’s government and Min Aung Hlaing’s Tatmadaw were the political and military wings of the same outfit so of course ASSK has her work cut out in a tricky balancing act. All these groups have better faith in the Lady’s sincerity in the desire for peace than Thein Sein or Min Aung Hlaing’s pious platitudes. The point is how if at all she can put pressure on the intransigent generals to come to her way of thinking in achieving an enduring peace throughout the land. And not least for pragmatism to prevail among the ethnic groups armed or otherwise.
The Duterte paradox
Seriously! Do you classify the US as a Christian country? If yes, then please explain the Atomic bombs on japan – NOT 1 but 2. How does that gel with “thou shall not kill”?
Please stop quoting or raising religion as a “standard”. Worst possible example – thru the ages, religion killed more people than all the diseases put together.
The Duterte paradox
The 10 commandments cover lying, stealing, killing, adultery honouring the family which are the basis for laws in almost every country except the People’s Republic of China. That does not mean folk obey unfortunately. Crosby Stills Nash and Young are good, very good. Bob Dylan also.
The Duterte paradox
The Ten Commandants aren’t the basis of law in any country that I am aware of and play no role at all in the majority of the world, which is not Christian.
More importantly, Christians themselves hardly pay any attention to it:
“Too many people have lied in the name of Christ
For anyone to heed the call.
So many people have died in the name of Christ
That I can’t believe it all.”
Crosby, Stills and Nash
A vicious cycle of coups and constitutions
But you were absolutely right Chris Beale: the recent bombings were keeping foreign tourists surging in arrivals in Thailand (18%) and that in turn keep the Thai Baht high.
So maybe your other take ” . . . That upward trend in the baht reflects the Thai elites’ desire to move as much as possible of their liquid assets into safe haven US dollars . . .” How the draining of Thailand’s foreign currency reserves by Thai elites (if you are right Chris, but of course you are!) would the Thai Baht keeps me shaking my head again . . . But when it comes to economic matters … I should stop questioning you Chris.