Last July 13, two weeks after the fatal shooting of four intelligence officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines by members of the Philippine National Police in Jolo, President Duterte
flew to the Sulu capital to address the aggrieved soldiers. He said he had three things to say. But the text of the prepared speech covered only one—the assurance of a fair investigation of the incident and the promise of justice for the slain soldiers.
As far as he was concerned, this was not just about a brewing conflict between the military and the police. This was still about the longstanding animosity between national government forces and the Moro community. This would explain the presence of Sulu Vice Gov. Sakur Tan in the audience. I suspect that Mr. Duterte himself asked Tan to come, so he could acknowledge his leadership of the Tausug community. Tan had been governor of Sulu and congressman for many years.
Then, without missing a beat, he turned to “his” soldiers, who must have been wondering why they were being made to hear this conversation. He felt compelled to assure them that what they were dying for, fighting terrorists in places like Mindanao, was still some higher purpose. He does not mention the political dynasties that control Congress that crafts the laws that govern the conduct of business in the country. He makes no reference to the business conglomerates and provincial oligarchs that made his election to the presidency in 2016 possible. He remembers only the names of those who, in his view, had been dismissive of his candidacy and generously funded his rivals.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Duterte’s ‘oligarchy’ speech ‘probably edited’ by Palace transcribers — PaneloChief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo has pinned the blame on the Palace transcription team for editing the controversial 'oligarchy' speech delivered by President Duterte in Jolo early this week.
Read more »
SF groups, target of failed rubout slam Duterte anti-terror lawSAN FRANCISCO — Armed with megaphones, flags and signs, protesters gathered in front of the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco last Wednesday as part of a nationwide day of action to denounce passage of the Anti-Terror Law in the Philippines. “We know that the Anti-Terror Law will be an attack on activists, human rights defenders, …
Read more »
Militar walang natatanggap na banta sa SONA ni Duterte
Read more »
Filipinos deprived of knowledge on Duterte’s health — De LimaFilipinos are being deprived of knowledge on the true state of President Duterte’s physical and mental health due to the Supreme Court’s complicity, detained opposition Sen. Leila de Lima claimed Saturday.
Read more »
Lawmaker repeats Duterte advice: Just sell ABS-CBN
Read more »
Duque gets no rebuke from Duterte over booboo on ‘flattened’ virus curveMANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III did not receive a scolding from President Rodrigo Duterte for erroneously declaring that the Philippines has "successfully
Read more »