Leading people in times of multiple contradictions

Those who always criticize President Duterte for his actions, decisions, and utterances, should be reminded he is the leader of 110 million Filipinos across all sectors and all economic strata. He is not just the president of high-society men and women in their mansions in the enclaves of the rich and the famous. He is also the father of a nation of more than 50 million poor Filipinos struggling to survive under difficult socio-economic conditions. The first contradiction is that while the country’s economic growth is at six percent, and one of the better performers in the Asia-Pacific, there are many people living below the poverty line. This could only mean that only the taipans, tycoons, business magnates, and moguls are getting benefits from economic development.

This phenomenon in the socio-economic struggles of our country shows economic progress without social development. The contradiction is manifested by the mushrooming of too-many housing subdivisions, golf courses, and tourism-oriented establishments. At the outskirts of rising urban centers are colonies of informal settlers who live in shacks and shanties, exposed to all dangers and hazards. Such risks are brought about by natural and manmade disasters, driven by crimes and corruption. Oftentimes, the very rich and the very strong exploit and oppress the weak and powerless. In the face of the collision of forces in society, Duterte has to make very hard decisions, which may favor some sectors and put others at a disadvantage. Thus social conflicts breed discontent.

For instance, in the area of labor and social legislations, Duterte is being criticized by employers who are directly affected by the DOLE’s relentless inspections of establishments. Businessmen and their management are pressured not only to comply with laws and regulations on general labor standards, occupational safety, and health, but also on security of tenure. This means principal employers are pressured to absorb the workers of their contractors. On the other hand, the labor sector complains why the wages are too low, while prices of prime commodities are too high. The president is caught between many conflicting forces. Any action and decision is bound to generate resistance and criticisms.

The challenge confronting Duterte is how to balance the imperatives of business progress and economic development while taking care of the basic needs of the poor. These basic needs include food security, that is affordable rice and other food commodities, clean water and affordable but decent housing, away from hazards and disasters risks. The poor also need affordable education and healthcare. These social needs require higher taxes, but the business sectors tend to resist additional tax burdens. These contradictions need to be managed well so as to maintain the equilibrium of the Philippine social structures.

Those who have done nothing but ridicule, malign, and attack Duterte, characters like Trillanes, de Lima, Hontiveros and the so-called progressive party-list solons, should reflect on the tremendous burden on his shoulders. It is very easy for them to criticize, but if they are in the shoes of the president, they would not know what to do.