LEADERSHIP in a democracy is by the people. It is the expressed representation of their majority. It is who and what it embodies. Show me a people and I will show you their kind of leader. Vice versa. So, whatever kind of leadership this country has in President Duterte, it is what he embodies. He is the embodiment of the majority. He is no less the epitome of their kind.
If these people – whose political preference is still very much identifiable with president Duterte – remain the majority, whoever gets his endorsement as standard bearer will likely be the one to get propelled again into office in 2022. The chances for another 2016 surprising presidential win and another 2019 sweeping senatorial victory are very high. Opposition’s political analysts should never underestimate the prevailing high approval and popularity ratings of President Duterte. To do so would be a kiss of political death.
Just a cent of word to eager presidentiables, particularly the oppositions: Be discerning on people and be discerning more on the political preference of the greater majority – who they dislike among wannabees and who they adore among leaders. Another thing, you do not offend the likes in the greater public by your superior claims of decency and political correctness. You win them before you win an election.
The Liberals flaunting sense of correctness on valid issues, even if they be resoundingly correct, should be tempered with a genuine sense of humility and service. After all, no one has the monopoly of wisdom and good intentions.
The presidency in whatever country is still providential. The dimension that is involved in the process lies in the inherent tendency of humanity to be ruled by a leader. But the power dynamics in the election of leaders were left among men, and through time this process developed into what we call now democratic processes. But the principles behind the success and proliferation of governments and organizations of people have remained – the will of the people.
So yes, be it the now progressive or liberal democracy of America, or the communist republic of China, or the eccentric fear-mongering government of North Korea – a profound study on these varying cultures will find the still inherent role of their peoples in the shaping of their governments and cultures.