PAGBABAGO
By FLORANGEL ROSARIO BRAID
Dr. Florangel Rosario Braid
Many wonder why President Duterte continues to enjoy high trust and credibility despite continuing criticisms of his demeanor and performance. His foul mouth, disdain and tirades against “meddling” Catholic clergy, misogynistic language, “speaking his mind and often testing the limits of civilized behaviour,” not to mention the number of extrajudicial killings under his watch. These and several more, had offended a growing number of Filipinos. How then does one explain his continuing popularity?
One has to go back to our past experiences in our political life to understand this phenomenon. His becoming an alternative for the presidency came at a time when our people had become disillusioned, exhausted, and ready to take a risk in a presidential candidate who is unorthodox and different. We were in search of one who can take the place of past mainstream leaders who were perceived to have failed us by their inability to address critical concerns, among them, corruption, criminality, inequality, unemployment, and failure of our justice system. He was perceived as authentic, a tough leader who can clean up a crime-riddled nation and eradicate endemic corruption. He is seen like the average Juan de la Cruz, your neighbor and drinking buddy,and who appears before everyone, warts and all, with no pretensions.
Many are beginning to realize that they may have erred in their expectations, but still are willing to give him another chance. After all, we have a relatively strong economy with a high growth rate, and rising investments.
And as long as this worldwide trend in populism which Duterte typifies continues, there will be more like him who may emerge in the political realm.
A recent article by Matthijs Roodwjn (Nov. 2018) explains the rise of this “sexy” new populism and its popularity in journalism circles – that from some 1,000 pieces written in 2015, it had almost doubled to 2,000 articles following the election of US President Trump. Populist parties in Europe have tripled their votes over the past 20 years with populist governments in 11 European countries. This was the result of the belief by many ordinary citizens that they have been betrayed, neglected, or exploited by a corrupt elite.
The author provides four explanations:
One is that when a society is more individualized and voters are more independent and emancipated, electoral volatility tends to be higher. Such state enhances the probability that populist attitudes are translated into votes.
Second, there is a fertile breeding ground for populists when mainstream left and right parties converge ideologically. Voters are susceptible to messages that mainstream political parties are all one and the same. (This perception is shared in Philippine politics where many do not see much difference between the Nacionalistas and the Liberals and the rest). Traditional political parties did not have much appeal to radical citizens.
Thirdly, crises activate populist attitudes. A financial crisis makes mainstream parties highly vulnerable to the critique that the established elite had messed things up.
Fourthly, widespread corruption plays straight into populist hands. In this environment, a populist challenger who offers an attractive alternative to existing mainstream politics would have an appeal. (Remember Duterte’s campaign promise of eradicating drugs and corruption and even traffic?) The changing media environment likewise plays a role. Dwindling subscription rates force mainstream media to focus on scandal and conflict that fuel a crisis and attracts populist leaders.
Elections provide an opportunity for strengthening political parties. The learning from the above piece is that our existing political parties must now shape up and present what would be perceived as genuine social and political reforms. Populism emerges when they are seen as one and the same and unable to provide credible strategies in achieving authentic development – inclusiveness, participatory governance, and justice for all. This could be one important challenge during our mid-term election.
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