I was and am a Duterte supporter. I think that overall he will do good for the country - or at least more good than bad. But, and it's a big but, I don't think he gives a damn about improving the lives of foreigners in the Philippines. He cares about poor Filipinos. That's the way it should be.MarcosZeitola wrote:I honestly believe his way is the best way. I would not take popular opinion just to gain favor with the locals - a lot of folks in our Barangay voted for Binay, if I wanted to gain their favor I would stop saying he's a corrupt asshole but I'm obviously not. Now as for switching sides? Maybe. If he becomes out of control, I may switch sides.joesixpack wrote:I'm not much of a fan of Duterte, but I have a question for you guys that support him. Do you really believe this is the best way to reduce the drug problem, or are you just taking the popular opinion to gain favor with Filipinos? If he becomes a hated tyrant, will you switch sides then? Serious questions.
I am on a bunch of forums and the expats there are looking for improvement for their lives. Good luck with that! Yes, we may benefit from Duterte's policies; less crime benefits everyone, less corruption - the same, improved infrastructure - the same. But foreigners with, by definition, vastly more money than the average Filipino may be disappointed.
My other concern is with his Davao-like approach to the drug problem. Oh, I don't have a human rights issue with killing drug dealers and drug lords. But my guess is that it worked in Davao because the bad guys looked at what was happening and moved on. Kind of like a Western with the tough Sheriff - the bad guys moved to the next town where it became the problem of the next Sheriff.
But when you're the President of the entire country, what's your goal - that they all get scared and moved to China? So my guess is that the policy may be less effective than it was when he was Mayor, but I have no problem with his trying it out and seeing what happens.
My wife would love for all the corrupt former politicians to be killed. I would prefer that Duterte simply run a clean government. If he does that he will be a success.