Hope Amidst Adversities

 

Dear President Rodrigo Duterte,

    I was born on generations of the past two presidents but the true awakening of my political snoopiness happens under the colors of your Presidency.

Talks, books, and social media chains redial the numbers of deeds the previous presidents have inked in our Philippine Government. Good or bad, truth or lies, only history of that generations can tell and we should let it be for our generation can only savor the blueprint of your governance which is the reality of what our generation is witnessing hereof.

    I am writing this letter Mr. president to ask you; ‘WHAT HAVE YOU DONE’ for our country sir? Back in 2016 during your campaign, you have vowed to end drugs and corruption in three to six months of your term which has led to a controversial bloody war on drugs that killed many Filipinos in which most of these victims are poor. With the authority and support you have conferred on to PNP (Philippine National Police), this has led to abusive use of power which resulted to a massacre and massive unresolved killings that have infuriated the public and most especially the human rights activists. Although the war on drugs is one of the major factors that dropped the crime rate in the Philippines allowing us to feel safe, you have implemented fear over the nation denying Filipinos of their rights to life and equality, your war to end drugs is what I appreciated but your encouragement to kill is what I despise. Nevertheless, aside from the war against drugs, you have also implemented economic programs one of which is the BBB program (Build, Build, Build) which will develop and improve the economy of our country. BBB program has created millions of jobs and has reduced the unemployment rate in the Philippines, I see positive outcomes from this program of yours and you have my full support. But due to the global pandemic, the program has encountered setbacks as Philippines and Filipinos need the government’s immediate response to the health crisis of our country. Your response and implementation of the lockdown are appreciated but the consistency and the strictness of authorities have been unsatisfactory, the stubbornness and complacency of Filipinos are also to blame and the unwillingness to close borders have largely affected the rise of Covid-19 cases. 

    Despite the health crisis and the pressure, you have continued to show resilience for the Filipinos by not backing down on your responsibilities as the president and I admire you for that. You vowed to end corruption during your campaign and after six years of trying you stated that it would be impossible and cannot be achievable and I commend you for being honest, leaving a clean bureaucracy before you end your presidency is simply a difficult feat, something that cannot be done overnight as you have said, and yet you have shown an effort to eradicate corruption by signing the Executive Order No. 6, better known as the 8888 Citizen’s complaint center against the corruption of government officials. You have also shown great concern for our environment by restoring back the original beauty of Boracay Island, as well as implementing a clean-up program and transforming Manila Bay. In addition, during your governance, Filipino patriotism is also being slowly restored, these are what I have observed and witnessed so far during your presidency sir.

    Are you a good president of our generation? The answer will surely be written in the history of your time but on my young mind and views, I may say that yes, you are, there may be flaws and shortcomings but looking on a bigger arena, the Philippines of our generation is now getting better and you have given us ‘HOPE’. Recently, you have announced your resignation and retirement from politics and I hope you lead a peaceful and happy life. You have done enough. It is time for you to look after yourself this time and spend time with your family. Keep safe and God bless you our President.

Sincerely yours,

  Irish Torre

         

References/ Citations: 
https://tinyurl.com/PresidentDuterte