Duterte: Philippine czar

Why else should the President even think of visiting America when there’s the possibility of non-entry?

“Czar,” or more appropriately “tsar,” is the title for supreme ruler in Eastern Europe. It is derived from the title Ceasar, meaning emperor, obviously from the most famous ruler of Rome, Julius Caesar. Czars were made famous in the Russian Empire, imbibed in their system of government, to which its success and strength, as it is today, may be attributed to. A czar is one of noble and high repute, filled with wisdom and experience, able to direct an entire country by the mere lifting of a finger, or a soft whisper, with loyal subjects willing to abide to each utterance.

Enter President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the city mayor who became President of the Republic of the Philippines, now about to conclude his second state visit in Russia. For the past days, we have seen images of President Duterte rubbing elbows with President Vladimir Putin, speaking lengthily before fellow world leaders in a forum (e.g., Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Azerbaijan President Heydar Oglu Aliyev, and Jordanian King Abdullah II) on his war against drugs, and being conferred a doctorate degree by the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (said to be the “Harvard of Russia”). Indeed, Russia has been kind to our President.

History has taught us that czars do not have absolute rule and may be overthrown by the people and other politicians, subjected to humiliation and, at times, execution, similar to what was done to the last czars of Russia. But this is not the case for President Duterte, who enjoys monumental popularity among Filipinos worldwide. Naysayers have little or no voice in the Philippines, but do make good entertainment, with the biggest joke of all found in detained Sen. Leila de Lima, who unfortunately affords to fool a number of left-wing liberal Senators in the United States. Apparently, the opposition has some lobbying money to spare.

In Russia, President Duterte had with him a huge delegation composed of Cabinet members, politicians, businessmen and our renowned singing and dance groups to charm and woo the Russian businessmen. One can say, the entire Philippines follows its President around, which makes it easy for him to make executive decisions at any time. For instance, the matter on who will succeed General Oscar Albayalde is said to be a constant topic of discussion in Moscow and may be decided upon in his hotel room — proof that the President is constantly working, not just playing video games like his predecessor.

One cannot imagine also the multiplier effect of this successful state visit in regard to the business community. In the Philippine-Russia Business Forum, President Duterte made strong assurances to the Russian investors that they shall get their money’s worth by trusting the Philippines, one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Several agreements were entered into by public and private entities to ensure a strong relationship, which include an agreement for gas and oil exploration in the West Philippine Sea.

But if there’s anything we should be prepared for, it must be the return of President Duterte to the Philippines. He shall return reinvigorated with purpose, after having spent days in a strong republic, determined to rule definitely and persuasively with an iron fist. There are a lot of loose ends in the Philippines waiting to be tied up by the President, including the issue on “ninja cops,” Albayalde, and the still lingering issue on the Bureau of Corrections, all of which are related to the proliferation of drugs, which can be necessarily linked again to Sen.De Lima. It is likewise noticeable that President Duterte spends most time in countries where he can draw inspiration from so he can better lead and manage the Philippines. Of course, China lands on the top of this list.

President Duterte has less than three years left in his term, and he is surely to make a couple more state visits. One thing’s for sure — the USA should not be one of them, since there are three senators blocking the entry of anyone that had anything to do with the detention of Sen. De Lima. Why else should the President even think of visiting America when there’s the possibility of non-entry, and if ever he sets foot on American soil, we have at least three US senators who will question him? Just like czarist rule, democracy also has its limits.