What We Don't Want, But Need.

Who will you vote for this coming elections?

May 2016 is the start of another chapter for the Philippines as it is the time where people will gather once more to choose the next person for the highest position in the land. On that day, my vote will be for Davao city mayor, Rodrigo Duterte. Why him? Like all other people he also has his own flaws, but unlike all other known politicians, he is very open about it. I see it not as something that he would want Filipinos doing these things then admitting to it so that it can be justified, but rather it shows that as a public servant his intentions are clear and that he is not hiding anything or is not afraid of people finding something negative about him. He accepts that no one can be perfect but proves that there are things which can outweigh our imperfections.

His ways may be likened to a dictator by many, especially when dealing with criminals, but sometimes this is what is needed. I believe that Filipinos are wise enough for our country not to fall into a Martial Law-like era again since it was not too long ago since it had ended. People see Mayor Duterte as a Human Rights violator, but what most people do not see is that he chooses whose rights he should uphold first. I believe that him, as a lawyer, it is one tough decision to make. He is not the only Mayor who has allegations of violating the rights of criminals, but what makes his case special is that Davao city’s crime rate is very low and it is because of his consistency on dealing with it.

He may be tough when it comes to criminals but he can be compassionate. He is one mayor who is not afraid to walk around a group of rebels, he has their trust. If we really want to have lasting peace talks with the rebels, especially in Mindanao, he is one person who can effectively communicate with them.

I support his idea of a federal government in exchange of the BBL. We are a country rich in different cultures and they somehow differ in some ways. With a federal form of government, the local government would be able to have expanded jurisdiction to be able to develop their area more based on their cultures and locations. Our problem is that development usually is focused here in Luzon especially in Metro Manila because it is the seat of our central government.

Davao city may not have the highest income generated by a city but doing business here is sure a pleasure. Aside from the low crime rate, business establishments would have little, if no problems when applying for a business permit. If you’re a tourist, you can take a cab without worrying for your safety or fare. You will also receive your change up to the last peso.

Mayor Duterte may not be able to fully change the Philippines in a short term of 6 years, but I think that is enough time for him to effectively jumpstart us for a real change. We may not like and agree on it at first but maybe in the end of a 6 year Duterte regime, we might already have a different point of view.