With the polarization in what is supposed to be a UniTeam, loyalists of Rodrigo Roa Duterte continue to take to the keyboard, clacking out the idea that the former president is a “strongman”, a “builder” and “the best president that the Philippines ever had”. Well, Thanos is also considered a strong, powerful, and even a god-like being motivated by building a universe that is not overpopulated and whose resources are not depleted. However, just as Thanos’s methods led to widespread destruction and chaos, Duterte’s tenure is marked by actions that have undermined key democratic institutions and norms. This article explores how Duterte’s policies and decisions have eroded the very foundations of Philippine democracy.
Mockery of the Electoral Process
Duterte’s rise to power began with a controversial maneuver that exploited loopholes in the electoral process. By substituting as the presidential candidate for Martin Diño, Duterte manipulated the system, which the Commission on Elections (Comelec) later banned, calling it “deceiving the public.” This act, in essence, acknowledged that Duterte’s entry into the presidential race was an act of deceit, undermining the credibility of the electoral system.
Deliberate Undermining of Social Welfare Institutions
Duterte’s administration established and funded around 130 Malasakit Centers, which duplicated services provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and other agencies. This move was designed to enhance the public image of Duterte and his close ally, Bong Go, rather than streamline aid delivery. By diverting resources to these centers, Duterte undermined established social welfare institutions, reflecting a form of rent-seeking behavior that prioritized personal and political gain over effective governance.
Failure to Uphold Judicial Independence
Duterte’s tenure was marked by significant interference in the judiciary. He failed to prevent the impeachment of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, who was later found compliant with her tax liabilities. The Court of Tax Appeals even declared that it is the Bureau of Internal Revenue that violates the Tax Code. Instead of advising his partymates to focus on advancing progress and development, Duterte allowed the impeachment to proceed. This not only targeted a key judicial figure but also sent a chilling message to the judiciary, undermining its independence and integrity.
Eroding Legislative Integrity
Duterte’s influence extended deeply into the legislative department, compromising its integrity in several ways:
- Senator Leila de Lima’s Detention: De Lima’s arrest and prolonged detention on drug-related charges, despite indications of her innocence, highlighted potential misuse of legislative and judicial powers for political purposes.
- Senator Bong Go’s Dual Role: Bong Go, Duterte’s close aide, continued to act primarily as his personal assistant even after being elected to the Senate, raising concerns about the separation of powers and legislative integrity.
- ABS-CBN Shutdown: Duterte’s personal vendetta against ABS-CBN led to the network’s franchise renewal denial, resulting in the unemployment of 11,000 workers. This act was widely perceived as an attack on press freedom and legislative autonomy.
Economic Mismanagement and Increased National Debt
The Duterte administration saw a significant increase in the national debt. His unclear policies and controversial statements often created economic uncertainty. Duterte’s offhand comment about slapping COVID-19 (“sampalin ko yang COVID veerus”) exemplified his erratic approach to serious issues, contributing to stalled economic progress and undermining investor confidence.
Rampant Corruption
Corruption scandals, such as the overpriced procurement of medical supplies during the pandemic (Pharmally scandal), plagued Duterte’s administration. Rather than prosecuting those involved, Duterte protected them. The appointment of Lloyd Christopher Lao, a former Duterte staffer, as head of the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM), highlighted issues of cronyism and corruption.
War on Drugs and Police Integrity
Duterte’s war on drugs, which encouraged extrajudicial killings, significantly damaged the reputation of the Philippine National Police (PNP). His directive to police officers to plant guns on suspects to justify killings further eroded public trust in law enforcement. This policy not only targeted suspected drug users and dealers but also resulted in numerous human rights violations, with thousands of extrajudicial killings reported.
Suppressing Media and Free Speech
Duterte’s administration was marked by frequent attacks on journalists and media organizations, fostering a climate of fear and censorship. Beyond the ABS-CBN shutdown, these attacks aimed to silence critical voices and undermine press freedom, essential for a healthy democracy.
Undermining National Sovereignty and Independence
Duterte’s foreign policy actions often compromised the country’s sovereignty. His pivot towards China and unauthorized “gentlemen’s agreements” without Congressional oversight undermined the Philippines’ independence. By law, the Senate must ratify international agreements and treaties, but Duterte bypassed this constitutional requirement. His statement during a state visit to Russia, “I align with your ideological flow,” further compromised the independence of the Philippines’ foreign policy.
Conclusion
Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency has left a complex legacy. While some view him as a strong leader who brought about significant changes, many of his actions have had a detrimental impact on the Philippines’ democratic institutions. From manipulating the electoral process and undermining social welfare institutions to eroding judicial independence and legislative integrity, Duterte’s tenure has been marked by actions that have weakened the very foundations of Philippine democracy. As the nation moves forward, it is crucial to address these challenges to restore trust and integrity in its institutions.
Polevu 