Carpio sees ‘dissonance’ in survey results

MANILA, Philippines —  Retired Supreme Court associate justice Antonio Carpio pointed out a “dissonance” among Filipinos who still support former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is known to be “very close” to China, despite wanting to defend the Philippines’ sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.

In a recent interview on The STAR’s “Truth on the Line,” Carpio issued the remark as he noted that senatorial candidates endorsed by the former president, such as Senators Bong Go and Ronald dela Rosa, still ranked high in election surveys despite controversies such as the charges of crimes against humanity against Duterte before the International Criminal Court over extrajudicial killings in his drug war.

“There is a dissonance. It’s very surprising that Duterte has a high rating, but the people also don’t want a government that is accommodating of China,” Carpio said.

He, however, explained that Filipinos’ prevailing support for Duterte may be due to the rising concern over peace and order over the country, since fighting crime and ending criminals were part of his “propaganda.”

“Petty crimes are increasing because of the hard economic times that we are in now, that’s why peace and order is high in the consciousness of the voters. When you think of peace and order, they will remember the hardline position of former president Duterte. That’s why he remains popular,” Carpio said.

He reminded voters that they should elect leaders, especially the president, who have integrity, competence and patriotism.

Carpio said ideal leaders would not “sell the Philippines” to China, and are good managers and administrators and who are honest.