New President

[Methersgate]

On 16 June 2016 at 4:42 AM, Benington said:

The incoming President and his team have tried to "hit the ground running" since the 16m plus votes landslide election victory last month. But the helicopter's landing was always set for June 30 and so all we have had so far are the questionable drug and heinous crimes efforts plus half-baked and ill-considered outbursts in many directions at home and abroad. Consequently many of his vote may be having second thoughts on their choice  A few days ago Social Weather Stations reported incoming President Duterte's net approval rating at +26, while his side-lined incoming Vice President Robredo was at +54. Given the recent landslide this is a very big reversal, even allowing for polling error, and must be an unprecedented situation here. And perhaps worldwide?

Why the haste? Was it because a pre-inauguration power snatch was feared? Or was it just the plain inexperience of people used to Davao politics? Whatever, it's been a bad start for a politician and team with a hugely ambitious agenda.

No doubt about it, there are many people here, especially those with no experience of past dictators, who really do seek a benevolent one to be in charge here. But surely nowhere near all 16m of his voters. I think there must be a good proportion of them starting to wonder if they can get a goods exchange of their choice as they can do with purchases from major retailers here.

A lot may change after June 30 and things may improve for the incoming President and team - but only if they take some lessons from the last month. My opinion is that if they do that they may get some of their less controversial and useful reforms through - otherwise they may not be allowed to get much done at all.

 

 

Thank you for an outstandingly good post.