Duterte, a heaven sent blessing or a curse to bring destruction to this nation? Two years have passed, never-ending issues were formed. Promises? Some were fulfilled, more are still on-going, others were left hidden in the dark. But what can be the cause really? Why numerous citizens whole-heartedly support him while others despicably despise him? What can be the things that he had done that made the media uproar and some to care for him even more? I can name you three things that he had done that greatly make us think if he is truly a curse or a blessing: drug users are greatly reduced, crime rates are much lower, free quality education for all.
A never ending anathema causing destruction is spreading throughout the world, it’s also known as illegal drugs, and as of now, drug users are greatly reduced in our country. War on Drugs was declared and started at June 30, 2016, many say his first two years were fruitful: a great number of drug users were captured. Sadly, 12,000 Filipino died because of this and only 2,555 people were said to have been done by the police, this is according to Human Rights Watch. On the other hand, on the Bible written in Genesis, Chapters 6-9 also known as Noah’s ark, even God drowned dreadful people, to cleanse the world, but yes I know what you’re thinking, Duterte neither has the judgment nor the authority to do this for he is not God. To kill or not to kill, will that be the only answer to stop illegal drugs from spreading?
Gunshots, tears from being sexually harassed, moans of loved ones asking for justice for their loved ones, fear not ye citizens of the country, crime rates are much lower now. From 2014-2016 which was 1 325 789, was reduced to 1 040 987 in 2016-2018. We had a total of 21.8% decrease of crime rates in the Philippines, 30% of it is from Metro Manila. Even robbery was reduced, by 23.61% to be exact. We can only hope and have faith in our fellow citizens, that they may help us eradicate different kinds of crime, bit by bit, and for the authority to serve justice upon them.
Disconsolateness, heart-ripped, and sombre shown by the eyes who can’t even eat three times a day, now their heart is slowly being filled with warm fuzzies as free quality education is slowly being implemented for all. Duterte had already signed RA 10931 which implements free tuition and miscellaneous fees for students in 112 universities. Not only will this empower youth quality education, but also 300,000 Pantawid Pampamilya Program (4P’s) will get additional subsidies. Wealth will not be the problem in this case anymore and the ones who have below average life and earnings will have one giant step close to achieving their dreams.
To protest or to support, to help or to talk, to speak or to not care, to pull him down or to help him reach the top? Is Duterte really a curse or a man that is worthy to support? Will the ones that despise him continue to grow or be satisfied and love him as well? We have our own thoughts, we carry our own actions, and we do our own judgment. Our country does not grow and go worse by itself, we are part of it, and it is our job to maintain and upgrade it even more.
By: Mariane D. Naguit | Teacher I Bataan National High School | Balanga, Bataan
