Politics and Bias: President Duterte's Radicalism

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By Givheart Carmelo Dano

In politics, one must be biased, and that is the reality. One must be biased toward what is good for the people and beneficial to all.

The recent news surrounding Duterte’s flight to Hong Kong was described by many of his critics as an undisclosed trip, as former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and former Senator Antonio Trillanes claimed. They alleged that former President Duterte was attempting to avoid arrest by the ICC, which was reportedly issuing a warrant against him.

In truth, Duterte’s flight to Hong Kong was not undisclosed; it was part of his campaign efforts for his political allies and a gesture of gratitude to his fellow Filipinos, particularly our OFWs. Some scholars in Manila (which I do not even believed some of their founded morals) do not like Duterte, that is the truth. The elitism in politics, as they label it, seems to be a self-proclaimed position of holding the highest moral authority in governance. In fact, they do not even make Filipinos feel that there has been any real change in society. Perhaps change has occurred, but only for their own benefit. Duterte’s radicalism has shaken this ideology, threatening those in Imperial Manila.

Social media today is really doing its thing, as it is the easiest tool to manipulate people and twist stories to one’s advantage. It is very difficult to deny that Duterte is loved by many people. Of course, there are also those who do not like him, and that is normal in politics. As I have said, we should be biased in our stand if it is for the good.

During Duterte’s recent visit to Hong Kong, I could see how the crowd missed him. You can easily tell people what to believe, but you cannot erase what is in their hearts.

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