In the contest for most delusional, self-aggrandizing and least diplomatic politician in all the world, it had been neck-and-neck between the double Ds: Duterte, president Rodrigo of the Philippines, and the Donald of Trump, fortunately not president of anything really important, at least for the time being.
But then there was Prez RoDEE DEE mentioning the “H” word and it was all over.
Jaw-drop moment.
You don’t ever mention Hitler without a willingness to go straight to rhetorical hell.
But really, killing millions of drug addicts in the Philippines, just because you’re president?
There he was at a news conference, he must not have thought anyone was watching, except for OFW Filipino channel subscribers around the world.
It was really classical Duterte delusion. He began with saying he was just a mayor when most of the extrajudicial killings happened, and that not a single case was filed against him.
Then he challenged his detractors around the world on the letter of the local law and that there was nothing legally that “would make a mayor liable if he threatens the criminals or intimidates the wrongdoers.”
“You can read the penal codes, criminal laws of this land, you’ll find nothing,” Duterte said, acting as if weak local laws or omissions would protect him against any charges of human rights violations.
It sounded like Marcos for a second. But, of course, to make a point, invoking Marcos wasn’t good enough. Duterte will use him later this month on the burial scheme.
No, this issue needed real punch.
“You’re portrayed or pictured to be some…a cousin of Hitler,” said Duterte speaking of himself, in an odd choice of grammar, phrasing and diction. And then he only made himself Hitler’s cousin.
Cousin Duterte continued against his detractors, “And you do not even bother to find out, to investigate…It was of course, all right when I was mayor. Because then, that would be about a miniscule of the affairs of humanity in this planet. But when I am the president….”
Well, he is right. We’re all finally getting to know Duterte as president. And of course that matters. Because if he thinks he can continue as president as he did when he is mayor, he’s dead wrong.
But he’s ready for whatever rebuttal you have, all you finger-waggers in the west.
Duterte: “Ako, look kayong US, EU. You can call me anything. But I was never into or I am never into hypocrisy like you.”
Reverse shame! It works in wrestling, why not international politics.
“Close your doors, it’s wintertime,” said Duterte. There are migrants escaping form the Middle East. You allow them to rot and then you’re worried about the death of about 1,000, 2,000, 3,000.”
Sounds good? Not quite. Grisly to hear a democratic Filipino leader devalue Filipino citizens lives so cavalierly.
But then Duterte put the cherry on top. A big H.
“Hitler massacred three million Jews,” said Duterte. “Now there is three million, there’s three million drug addict. There are. I’d be happy to slaughter them. At least if Germany had Hitler, the Philippines would have you know, my victims, I would like to be, all criminals to finish the problem of my country and save the next generation from perdition.”
And with a “ Salamat po,” it was Prez RoDEE DEE, out.
So let’s review the highlights of the month. First Prez RoDEE DEE said President Obama was a “son of a whore.”
Then Prez RoDEE DEE proclaimed he would be open to China and even Russia.
To gain attention, would he use the phrase, “Putin putang?” Or “Putang Putin?”
Then comes his dealings with the deposed truth and justice seeker, Sen. De Lima, who last week was so moved by Duterte’s tactics to discredit her that she broke down and declared in tears, “This is really madness.”
And what could Trump do to match any of that?
Lose a debate to Hillary Clinton, but insist he won by lying and using as proof of victory useless, non-scientific, non-random, Internet media polls that discredit themselves by saying “For entertainment purposes only.”
And then five days after the debate continue to talk about the one issue that mattered to him: The weight gain of Alicia Machado, a one time reigning Miss Universe, whom Trump called “Miss Piggy.”
I think Filipinos truly understand the importance of any Miss Universe issue.
But it’s weak Trump fare against Pres RoDEE DEE.
Trump even mentions a Machado sex tape. Sex tape? Like Prez RoDEE DEE’s sex tape of De Lima?
Trump can’t even produce a real tape.
That’s weak bagoong, friends.
Prez RoDEE DEE trumps Trump.
And now the world, including the all-important ally, the former colonizer, is watching and taking note.
The Hitler reference is more than just a big hint.
A strong man leader like Duterte is definitive proof the Philippine democracy is on shaky ground.
American Filipino Emil Guillermo is a veteran journalist and commentator.
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