FOR the first time in history, there is a winnable presidential candidate coming from Mindanao. I should be excited and should brace myself for a more involved campaign and advocacy knowing that only a Mindanaonon can truly forward the cause of Mindanao. It’s about time.
But then, this candidate’s fame is rooted on his ruthlessness in dealing with the criminals to the point that he was alleged to have been responsible for at least 1,000 extrajudicial killings since 1988. The question now is how desperate are we to forward our regional interest? Is it worth staining our hands with blood? In these trying times, it looks like the only way to face our social problems is through an iron fist precisely the reason why Duterte’s candidacy fans like wildfire as people clamor for drastic and more adamant approach to dealing with people in conflict with the law. But what kind of a society will that make us? For sure we would be no less than the primitive civilizations who embrace an eye for an eye principle.
We are supposed to move forward and not backward. As we perfect the system of governance in this country, and as we uphold the highest ideals of justice, transparency, and due process, it would be almost idiotic to let go of these new-found tools and pick up crude stones to kill the unwanted insects in our skin. Our way of governance defines how we view humans and human dignity. To embrace the principle that disrespects life defines us as everything but humane and educated.
I still think that Duterte should run and win the 2016 presidency. He obviously has exemplary leadership skills for bringing Davao to newer heights. But it would be really wrong for him to think that he is only as good as his vigilante approach. He has to learn to respect human rights even from criminals and he has to find ways in which he can carry out his toughness within the bounds of our law. Otherwise, Mindanao will still be fine under the leadership of a president of northern ancestry who respects life and due process.
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