War on drugs gets dash of Hollywood

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte’s war on drugs got a touch of Hollywood as American actor Stephen Baldwin expressed support for the controversial crackdown. 

Baldwin backed Duterte’s campaign to protect the youth from illicit drugs during a meeting with the President on Wednesday, presidential aide Christopher Go said yesterday. 

“He praised the President for his high trust rating among Filipinos, which was a clear indicator of his successful leadership style,” Go said.

“The President explained that he was only trying to implement what he promised during the presidential campaign: to fight illegal drugs, put an end to corruption and restore peace and security in the country. The President said that one of the ways to gain respect of the people is to fulfill one’s promises,” Go added.

The drug war, which has left more than 4,000 people dead, earned both praise and criticism here and abroad.

Supporters of Duterte claim the anti-drug campaign has made the streets safer, but critics believe it endorses extrajudicial killings and other human rights abuses. 

According to Go, Baldwin explained that one of the reasons for the creation of the movie “Kaibigan (friend)” was “to send an important message to the youth on the consequences of making the wrong choices in life.”

The movie, which will be shown in October or November, features presidential communications assistant secretary Mocha Uson playing the role of a reporter.

Uson had lambasted media outlets and reporters critical of the administration and its policies. 

Go said Baldwin described movies as an effective way to promote advocacy. 

“He also believes that if prevention from vices can be implemented early on, government leaders would have an easier job,” Go said.  

The President accepted the actor’s invitation to attend the premiere showing of “Kaibigan.”

Duterte, whose marriage was annulled in 2000, also served as a marriage counselor during the courtesy call.

Baldwin asked the President’s opinion on the engagement of his daughter, Hailey, to singer and songwriter Justin Bieber.

“The President responded that as long as Bieber believes in the sanctity of marriage, Baldwin has nothing to worry about,” Go said. 

Baldwin also gave Duterte his book “The Unusual Suspect.”