Contradictions
THE US-backed Duterte regime is trying to keep together its ragtag coalition of the deadly that is beset with infighting, covert or overt. Let’s enumerate these contradictions that some would like to paper over with the illegal “RevGov” idea.
Mocha Uson, RJ Nieto, and “the major blogger who shall not be named” vs. presidential Spokesman Harry Roque: This is perhaps the most obvious since Duterte ditched his former spokesman. The trio is threatened by the mercurial newcomer who has reached his post in fantastic speed.
Mocha Uson vs. Martin Andanar: Even the DDS feels there’s a rift or rivalry between them, with more hedging their bets that the assistant secretary wields more influence on Duterte, rather than the secretary. Can’t imagine how Andanar has survived one humiliation after another in order to explain away Mocha’s antics.
Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez vs. Senate President Koko Pimentel: The race for 2019 has started with Alvarez seizing the initiative in naming prospective senatorial candidates. Insecure in his post as party leader, Pimentel could only stress that a formal PDP-Laban process (whatever that means) would produce the final list of administration candidates.
PTV4, PNA, PBS, and RTVM vs DDS Social Media Group: The original state media outlets remain small and inconsequential, although they still get taxpayer money for shoddy work. Many are bitter that not only does the DDS Social Media Group wield more power and influence; the DDS bloggers have not helped them get popular. The remaining true professionals in the state media outlets are furious of the endless parade over humiliations they suffer.
The small “reformist” group led by Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. vs. the dominant militarist-oligarchic faction: Evasco leads “Kilusang Pagbabago,” a mass-based movement promoting reforms. But this initiative has been perpetually sidelined by the militarist-oligarchic faction. No more peace talks, no more progressives in the cabinet, no more major reforms. Now, Evasco and his team would have to defend the tax-increasing “tax reform bill.”
DOTr vs. Mayor Sara Duterte: DOTr wants to implement the phaseout of jeeps, but the presidential daughter wants to exempt the presidential bailiwick city of Davao from the change that is coming. This messes up DOTr’s game and fuels yet again the cries of privilege and special treatment for the Dutertes and Davao.
Mindanaoans vs. Duterte: Candidate Duterte made many promises to Mindanaoans like a pan-Mindanao railway system, more Mindanaoans in the cabinet, and making Mindanao an overriding priority. Mindanaoans, meanwhile, are wondering why martial law has been put in place in the entire island, the lone Islamic City completely destroyed, and the same corrupt military generals and political dynasties are getting the power to decide which to bomb next or what to build in “Build Build Build.”
DDS vs DDS: While the DDS bloggers openly agitate for the proclamation of a “RevGov,” there’s also a group of DDS who oppose the move because it is unconstitutional, illegal, and dangerous. The latter accuse the DDS bloggers of betraying the cause of change and of endangering Duterte because of the “RevGov.”
Senior turncoats vs. new turncoats: Now this is a big problem going into 2019. If you think the looming Alvarez vs. Pimentel battle for political supremacy is exciting, wait until you hear new PDP-Laban members hack their way to party chairmanships and nominations. Duterte won with only a handful of “originals” and most of the super-majority members in Congress and local governments are turncoats. Watch them bash each other in the coming months.
Young officers vs. the corrupt top brass: There have been reports that young soldiers and young cops are taking a rather critical look at Duterte’s politicies on internal security, and on peace and order. Mostly coming from the lower and middle classes, the more idealistic and progressive elements in the AFP and PNP are questioning the wisdom of all-out war, the drug war, and the surrender of Philippine sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea to China, and why Duterte allows Philippine military camps turned into US military bases. They are still waiting for Duterte to ask them and to listen to them.
Public sector workers vs. Duterte: Duterte has played favorites, unquestioningly lavishing top generals with everything they need and ask – another round of “modernization,” new equipment and war materiel, increases in salaries and benefits. The many public sector workers like teachers, scientists, and engineers are told to shut up about salary increases, and instead are accused of being careless about their finances. Duterte has also not stopped contractualization in government agencies under him.
Career civil servants vs. political appointees: Whether in the DFA or other agencies, this foul symbol of corruption and patronage persists under Duterte. Duterte packs government with flunkies, to the disadvantage of professionals in government who are denied much-deserved promotions. These brilliant people in government take a back seat, and are endlessly humiliated by blunders by Duterte appointees.
GMA group vs Estrada group vs Duterte group vs Pimentel group vs Marcos group: The infighting among them is currently mostly covert. The Marcos loyalist Duterte is managing to silence and sideline the original pro-democracy and anti-dictatorship Senate President Nene Pimentel — who co-founded PDP-Laban with Sen. Ninoy Aquino. The GMA group has managed to get appointments. The Marcoses had their patriarchy dubbed a hero, and the son is being positioned to be the vice president under a RevGov. The groups are fighting to position themselves en route to full restoration. Many Mindanaoans are seeing this.
These rifts, divisions, and contradictions weaken Duterte and hinder his drive for fascist and dictatorial rule. Those of us involved in the broad movement to defend the rule of law, democracy, and human rights should highlight and take advantage of any and all these problems. Why? Because these open opportunities to further broaden our movements, win concessions, stop certain policies and programs, and isolate the worst elements one at a time.
(Mark your calendars: The Movement Against Tyranny invites everyone to the Dec. 10 International Human Rights rally 4:00-8:00 pm at the Luneta. Together, let’s divide and conquer the forces of fascism and dictatorship.)