DUTERTE’S ACTIONS, REMARKS ‘ALARMING’

I WRITE this letter with great concern regarding the recent actions and statements made by former president Rodrigo Duterte. As a peace-loving citizen, I find it alarming to witness a series of irresponsible and divisive acts that threaten the stability and unity of our beloved nation.

First, Mr. Duterte’s call for the people not to pay taxes undermines the importance of contributing to the development of our country. Tax is the lifeblood of the government and provides the necessary funds for essential public services, infrastructure projects and the welfare of our fellow citizens. A good leader should be an exemplar of a nation-builder, not a disrupter of development.

Furthermore, his suggestion of a military coup is deeply troubling. A coup d’état can have severe consequences, destabilizing the nation and undermining the democratic principles upon which our country stands. The military’s role is to protect and serve the Filipino people, not to engage in acts that disrupt the constitutional order. Our democratic nation was established not by sword alone but through the intellectual prowess of our forebearers. We cannot allow violence to be the primary solution to any social problem.

Equally concerning are the baseless and defamatory accusations made against the current President, linking him to addiction. Such personal attacks have no place in a civilized political discourse. They only serve to sow division and distract from the critical issues that genuinely matter to the Filipino people.

The recent call for Mindanao to secede from the Philippines is another misguided and dangerous proposition. Our nation’s strength lies in its unity and diversity. Regional autonomy should be pursued within the framework of a united and inclusive Philippines, where all citizens can contribute and prosper together. Mindanao is the least developed since it has isolated and disadvantaged areas. However, this sentiment is rooted in the distant past, when developments and opportunities were focused on “Imperial Manila.”

It is high time for responsible leadership to prevail in our country. We need leaders who prioritize the welfare of the people, address the pressing issues we face, and foster unity instead of division. The Filipino people deserve leaders who uphold the values of respect, integrity and accountability.

As citizens, we must remain vigilant and vocal in holding our leaders accountable for their actions and statements. Our democracy thrives on responsible governance, constructive dialogue and a commitment to the common good. We must stand against any abuse of power and demand leadership that genuinely serves the interests of the Filipino people.

Let us not allow the audacity of a few to overshadow our aspirations and hopes for a unified, prosperous and progressive Philippines. Together, let’s work toward a future where our nation can flourish under the guidance of responsible and moral leaders.