A promise to God

Lucky are those who have a direct line to God. President Duterte, returning to the country through Davao on Thursday from his visit to Japan, said he had promised God that he would stop using expletives. He had heard a voice on his return flight, the President said, warning him that if he did not stop using profanities, God would bring down the plane. And so President Duterte made a solemn promise.

Whether he was serious or not, his announcement was met with applause. It was not the first time, however, that he had made such a promise. In December last year, he had vowed to donate P1,000 for every cuss word that he uttered, with the money to go to Caritas Davao. The expletives never stopped. When he assumed power, he also promised a “metamorphosis” – a process that people presumed would include an end to the cursing. People are still waiting for the metamorphosis.

Most people curse, although many hold back their tongue when speaking in public, especially if there is a possibility that children are watching. The President should be setting the example for exemplary behavior. Instead he has regarded his periodic public eruptions of profanities as his right.

All rights, however, carry with them certain responsibilities. Many other people can control their choice of words; why not the President? To help him along, he can start reading prepared speeches at least during major events. He can’t go on with business as usual. If the expletives continue, children may start thinking that there’s nothing wrong with using cuss words.

The President has no illusions about his resolve. After making his announcement, he reportedly advised the audience not to applaud too much or his plan “may get derailed.” But because he says he made the promise to his Maker, perhaps this time he will finally deliver on his promise. For the nation, it will be a welcome development.