For the common good

Obviously, the diehard supporters and staunch defenders of incumbent President Duterte are relying more on social media to convey their message of admiration and praise for their idol. Of course, nothing is wrong here but they must also see to it that their communications are not misleading, vague, confusing or contrary to sound reasoning. Otherwise they will just be creating not only confusion but also dissension and division among our countrymen especially the “Netizens.” In fact there already appears to be an on-going war and bitter exchange of contradicting views in social media among Filipino “Netizens.”

First of all, it is not right, and against the best interest of our country, for the Duterte supporters, otherwise known as DDS, to consider and regard all those who disagree, criticize, oppose or find fault on Duterte, as enemies or destabilizers. Worse still is to call and brand them with all sorts of names particularly the now famous “yellowtards,” obviously referring to people connected with and supporting the past administration. Such attitude or stance is so divisive and damaging to our country as it will only create more conflict and derail the alleged march to progress and prosperity that we are supposedly carrying out at present under the leadership of Duterte. Instead of arrogantly displaying such kind of stance, they should look at these critics and oppositionists as their fellow citizens who also have the best interest of our country in mind. This is the best and perhaps, the only way we can achieve unity in our country.

Second, Duterte’s staunch defenders should not blindly and steadfastly believe that their idol is always right, while those who disagree with him are always wrong. They must instill in their mind that he is also liable to commit mistakes. Hence it will be much better for them to have an open mind and find out whether the observations and views of the other side are correct or not. In short they should ingrain in their minds the well accepted maxim that in “every argument there are always three sides: your side, my side and the right side.”

Third, the DDS should avoid jumping into, or making wrong conclusions, based on apparently correct premises. It is not right to immediately condemn and to outrightly say that a certain official like Chief Justice Sereno should be removed from office simply because she is facing several charges which are still pending trial and investigation. There are indeed so many headlines in the Internet making it appear that some officials are already pictured to be guilty of certain wrongdoings when no charges have even been filed against them.

Fourth, it is also quite wrong for the DDS to show that the present administration has already several outstanding achievements and successes just because the past administration has so many dismal failures in several projects it has undertaken. They must be reminded that the performance of this administration is proven by its present achievements and not by the failures of the past administration.

Fifth, the DDS should also avoid citing and stressing the wrongdoings of the past administration to project and enhance a good image of the present administration. Very obvious in this regard are the supposed wrongdoings of past president P-Noy particularly in the purchase and distribution of the anti dengue vaccine called “Dengvaxia”; the alleged hijacking of the P10 billion senior citizens’ fund; and his inaction and indecisiveness during the Mamasapano massacre that resulted in the death of numerous  members of the Special Action Force (SAF).  It must be pointed out in this regard that those alleged wrongdoings were committed several years ago but up to now no charges have yet been filed in court. Also perplexing here is how it can be said that the present administration is allegedly “good” and honest just because the past administration has committed several anomalous and corrupt acts.

Then finally the DDS should also be reminded that “two wrongs do not a right make.” The glaring example here is again the current moves to interfere in the operations of the Supreme Court, which runs counter to the principle of separation of powers because it is an independent and separate branch of government. In this connection, the DDS try to justify the moves to oust Sereno by citing the action of the past administration in the ouster of the late Chief Justice Renato Corona also due mainly to irregularities in the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN). If the ouster of Corona could be done and had succeeded even if it was allegedly not in accordance with law as it violated the principle of separation of powers, then the present attempts to remove Sereno are likewise feasible and could be done successfully according to them. Obviously, they are trying to show here that a wrong could be corrected by committing another wrong.

And so as a friendly reminder to the DDS who are our fellow citizens, they should immediately change their attitude and stance in their effort to support and defend their idol Duterte. They should stop or refrain from engaging in the practices above set forth which they are now doing in social media. They must always bear in mind that their loyalty to their idol ends when their loyalty to our country begins. This call is for the common good of all Filipinos regardless of their political color.

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