The people were tired of politicians who were good in form but not in action. They talked well, they dressed well and in all other aspects we usually consider as refined and cultured. In public, there should be no vulgar or rough words or actions even if these were necessary to describe what really was. So the marketing and PR firms progressed. We the citizens were duped by what they passed on to us through the mass media. They could and they did make us believe the “supposed” good attributes of their politician clients. The masses did not just believe. They took in things—hook, line and sinker. But many got awakened for their continued hardships while those who have obviously continued to have even more.
Then came along fighting Duterte. Killer at heart and with common sense, he immediately took steps to implement small programs that affected thousands. He was and is still tough talking no matter how crude and provincial. He did not care and that contributed to his popularity. It was like giving vent to the anger of the people to those who have who never did anything substantial for them. “Puro kayo porma!” might sum up what they always wanted to say.
While there appear some cracks in PDu30’s teflon coating (whatever happened to the big time drug lords like the politicians?) there are still good things being done like his standing by DENR Sec. Gina Lopez who has become the nemesis of the bigwigs in business (the mining companies) who were untouchables in the past. Surely, Sec. Gina Lopez is not afraid. She does not need the mining companies’ money. She does not mind if she will not be confirmed by Commission on Appointments. Its good to have somebody like her up there. Not only is she getting things (that are good for people) done. It is serving notice to everyone that being tough is what this country needs.
Being refined but just mealy mouthed did not do well by us. So being tough (no matter how crude) and getting things done is the call of the times. Why not look at the ratings of PDu30. He is leading now in Time’s survey for the most influential person in the whole world.**