War without end
“Persistence and determination are omnipotent.” — Calvin Coolidge
The war against drugs, and its deleterious effects on humans, is not only brutal, complex, violent, endless, and unwinnable but has also to date defied world leaders, and subverted rich and poor countries alike.
Notwithstanding the self-deprecating remark of former US Vice President John Nance Garner that “the vice presidency isn’t worth a pitcher of warm piss,” Vice President Leni Robredo has audaciously and naively accepted the offer of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as “drug czar and point man” in the war againsed rugs from where the President has left off.
Despite critics and human rights advocates, President Duterte has had notable success in his relentless struggles against drug trafficking and drug addiction, in a war without end.
As an underutilized and inconsequential spare tire, VP Leni Robredo has nothing to lose in her additional assignment that may lead to less extra judicial killing (EJK) and abuse of power.
However, owing to too much money, addiction, and greed, drug trafficking will always be accompanied by death and violence.
As for President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the pick-up of the gauntlet and challenge by VP Leni Robredo is a welcome respite and relief from a war that he cannot win, a menace that he cannot eradicate.
Thus, even with full logistics support and encouragement from the authorities, the inexperienced Vice President Robredo may not be equal or superior to the challenge.
So be it.
In the meantime, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte can now focus on other urgent and contentious problems and national issues that the President had delegated to his underlings.
On the other hand, President Duterte will have left behind a host of unfinished business – untouched Constitutional reforms, expanding population, poverty, cost-ineffective Congress, lingering insurgency and bizarre style of government.
Granted that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has achieved numerous short-term quick-fix changes and decisions, there have not been dramatic game-changing breakthroughs as, among thing things, the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program.
But with two more years, it is never too late.
Compared to many troubled and turbulent cities around the world, the Philippines remains a delightful and peaceful destination and haven for which this country should count its blessings. The best is yet to come. You be the judge.