What is meant by “You don’t own the city”

We should already know that our president is a black belter in the art and science of figures of speech. It is one thing to hear him say such threatening and angry words and another thing to really discern, comprehend, and understand his words in the real sense. President Rodrigo Duterte has mastered the art of hyperbole and simile, and is an expert psy-war strategist and tactician. When he says “tamparoson” he does not really mean “slapping” literally, but that he will shame the object of his spite publicly and put him in his right place. He cannot stand arrogant and proud local officials.

By now, after two years as our president, we should already have developed a certain level of discernment the way he expresses himself. When he says an official is involved in drugs, it does not mean really that official uses, deals, or finances the drug trade. It may just mean that in his jurisdiction, the executive is ineffective in the war on drugs. When he says “I will kill you,” it does not mean that he will commit murder, or order the neutralization of certain individuals. That is too low for the position of presidents. He simply means you do not have the right to live and make others miserable.

When he says “you don’t own the city,” he reminds you that you are a public servant and should not treat citizens like subjects, slaves or minions that you expect to do all your whims. You do not own the city, you need the consent of the city council. You are not a monarch or aristocrat. You are a servant of the people so humble yourself, like the way Governor Junjun Davide and Mayor Eddie Gullas hold the people in high esteem.

You cannot behave as if the city belongs to your family. Maybe the mayor can also tell Duterte: “Sir, you do not own the Philippines either.” But of course, he should restrain himself. He has some pending cases allegedly before the Office of the President who controls the DILG, and the DILG controls the local government. Yes, you cannot fight City Hall. But more so, you cannot fight Malacañan. If you are a mayor, governor, or any other LGU official, you should listen to the president. He has tremendous powers and prerogatives. He can make things happen. He commands the police, armed forces, and executive agencies. Of course, he needs to respect the law, but his acts and decisions have the presumption of regularity and legality.

For us who know Duterte and are familiar with his ways, “buang ka” is a term of endearment. And “you don’t own the city” simply means “be humble and behave. I am the boss up here. Know where your proper place should be.”