Inside The Duterte Closet

The real Rodrigo Duterte

Human behaviour and personality are two things that have tickled my interest for a long time now. I love observing people's actions; the way they speak, the way they move. It tells me a lot on how to deal with them. How to get on their good side, and what to avoid. Talleyrand probably had this as a hobby as well.

So, when the clown Rodrigo Duterte declared his intentions to be President of the Republic of the Philippines, his performance was a goldmine for speculation. On display was a trash-talking, no-non-sense small town mayor. He didn't care much on who he would step on. He even had the guts to throw expletives at the Pope, knowing that a huge majority of Filipinos are Catholics. It was his show, and no one could take him away from that moment. Then, there were anecdotes of his exploits with women that would put even Hugh Hefner to shame. The performance drew a few criticisms, but earned Duterte praise from his large support groups. But, to me, it was all an elaborate smokescreen to shield the self-branded Lothario. The signs were there for everyone to see. Rodrigo Duterte is a closet queen!

Then on January 21, 2016, The Philippine Star came out with an article wherein declared himself to be a reformed homosexual. Hah! I was right after all. This tough guy is really a pussy pretending to be one. This explains his constant contradictory press statements. Maybe he's a liar, or just very confused. Either way should make him unqualified for the highest office of this country. How can he resolve the problems of the Philippines when he can't even come to terms with who he really is?

The Pope, Duterte, And Quiboloy

In his acceptance speech, Davao mayor Rodrigo Duterte cursed Pope Francis II in front of hundreds of cheering supporters; composed mainly of of Roman Catholics. He was badly criticised by several sectors for his actions, led by  the Philippine Catholic Church. His defenders went on hyperdrive, and proposed that the filthy-mouthed mayor only voiced his disappointment and did not mean any disrespect. But, Duterte was unapologetic. He even threatened to bring the Church down if it continued to criticize him. Surprisingly, the Catholic hierarchy fell silent after the challenge was made.

Truth of the matter is: Duterte meant it when he uttered, "Pope, putang ina ka! Umuwi ka na. Wag ka na magbisita dito." The man loathes the Catholic Church! This hate probably dates back to when he was still in the Ateneo. He claims to have been abused (sexually?) by a Jesuit priest. The leaders of the Catholic Church in the Philippines better beware if and when Duterte becomes President. He has the support of powers not of this world.

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of Davao City is a disciple of Apollo Quiboloy. Founder, leader, and pastor of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name, Inc. This crackpot claims to be the Appointed Son of God. Duterte and Quiboloy rose from the ranks together. One in politics, the other in religion. Both of them do not like their followers to question their authority. And they both acquired untold wealth over time. Together they ruled Davao. And, to complete the prophecy, Duterte will need to conquer Malacanang. That was the gist of Quiboloy's endorsement of Rodrigo Duterte's candidacy!

The Davao Myth

In the middle of the debate and contest for the presidency, the City of Davao has been mentioned not just a hundred thousand times. It has been the centrepiece of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s agenda in his ambition towards Malacanang. The city has been depicted as a haven that must be emulated by the rest of the Philippines; if not the world. The rhetoric that supports the idea would make Sir Thomas More’s work sound like nursery rhymes.

But, is Davao really the utopian community every Filipino city and municipality should imitate? Is this city actually devoid of crime, poverty, and injustice? Should we allow the tough-talking mayor to take the reins of the national government?

First of all, let me tell you that Davao is not crime-free! Anyone who says otherwise is a liar. Even Duterte himself cannot categorically deny this. You see, Davao has two distinct set of rules. One set applies to Duterte, his family, and his rich friends. Everybody else needs to follow the other. If you are in the right network of friends, you can get away with practically anything. Yes, anything! Take the example of carnap syndicate leader Ryan Yu, alias “Baktin,” who is a friend of Paolo Duterte.  The Baktin syndicate was free to operate in and (mostly) out of Davao without hassle. Yu is now in jail awaiting trial. To make sure he doesn’t spill the beans, his brother Christopher was murdered in cold blood. Where? He was shot in front of his apartment; in Davao City! To this day, no one has been arrested for the crime. Baktin was not alone. Other characters control different syndicates that operate nationwide, but are stationed in the city. They do not fear the law. Duterte chooses who he eliminates. The New People's Army are free to conduct their taxation on the poor of Davao. The Ampatuans of Maguindanao and their bodyguards were frequent visitors of the city. Rodrigo Duterte dared not cross them!

This group of shadowy businessmen are now funding the well-oiled machine of the mayor’s campaign. Millions of pesos funnelled to run thousands of bogus social media accounts and hundreds of websites. The plague of troll accounts in Facebook and Twitter these days is a clear indication that the millions have been well-spent. Duterte critics are subjected to the shut-up-or-you’ll-get-hurt treatment from these thugs. Is this a sneak-peek of things to come should Duterte win?

This is the brand of justice Rodrigo Duterte is laying in front of you for consideration. His rule of law is a mere projection of a fictitious sense of peace. Yes my dear friends. Rodrigo Duterte is both a fraud and a coward! And, the Davao image is just a myth. A fugazi!