The Duterte Magic

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Honestly, Philippine President elect Rodrigo Dutere was my most hated presidential candidate. Aside from his barbaric and infested mouth, I am not a fan of his economic platform because most of it is either unclear or very impossible to accomplish. During the campaign period, I am very vocal on campaigning against him. I had shared a dozen or so of anti-Duterte videos and articles and posting provoking comments showing my disgust over Rodrigo Duterte's capability to run our country. I was one with the "silent majority" (referring to the supporters of Mar Roxas) who will do everything to discredit him and sway undecided voters not to vote for Duterte. Unfortunately, supporters of "Digong" have become fiercer and fiercer and the attacks thrown at their presidential bet only made them stronger. At the end, they won the battle and they won it big time.

This recent election , based on my observation, have caused so much divisiveness among Filipinos. I have felt that our nation is not just divided by waters among our 7,100 islands, but we are indeed a divided country in terms of culture, belief, and political views.  The poor economic conditions of some Philippine regions (specially those in Mindanao) have shaped the views of its inhabitants about our current government system and about our country as a whole in a negative way. Sad may it seems, but most of these locals may not academically understand and connect the future benefits of our current economic gains to themselves and to their families. For them, economic growth are those that can fill their hungry stomachs.

The Philippines still has a long way before it can realize its ultimate dream of becoming a full-pledged industrialized nation, but I am happy that we are slowly moving towards that direction. In 1986 we regained our freedom from the dictatorship of the Marcos regime, then we slowly established some social reforms during the time of Mr. Fidel Ramos. And finally we made some drastic economic reforms during the time of Ms. Gloria Arroyo and it was sustained by the current President Noynoy Aquino. The Philippines is no longer called the sick man of Asia. We are now a healthy country. Incoming President Rodrigo Duterte will inherit a far better Philippines as compared to his predecessors. It will be a much easier job for him to sustain the economic growth of this country because all economic fundamentals are already in place.

Election is over and Mr. Duterte is our new leader. I have no more reasons not to support him. Change is indeed coming and I know the Duterte magic will pave way to a better future for all Filipinos in the next six years and beyond.God bless the Philippines.