[Vantage Point] Time’s up for VP Sara

For the Philippines, loyalists coming to the rescue of their idols is an all too acquainted chorus. Idolatry is actual and stays an impediment to progress.

The shortcoming of South Korea’s regulation enforcement actors to arrest the nation’s former president Yoon Suk Yeol is one other evident instance of how blind loyalty might throw a monkey wrench into the lawful train of exacting accountability from public figures.

On December 3, 2024, he was impeached for declaring martial regulation, an act overturned by South Korea’s Nationwide Meeting and for which he was stripped of his energy. Regulation enforcers carrying a authorized warrant to place Yoon behind bars — solely to be thwarted by his loyalists and handpicked safety crew — absolutely raises grave and unnerving questions on who actually is in command. Former prime minister Han Duck-soo assumed the function of performing president pending the Constitutional Courtroom’s determination on what to do with Yoon.

This incident could possibly be utterly alien to South Korea. However for the Philippines, loyalists coming to the rescue of their idols is an all too acquainted chorus. Repeatedly, our nation has needed to navigate by the tough activity of exercising the supposed lengthy arm of the regulation in apprehending offending public figures. Self-appointed “Son of God” Pastor Apollo Quiboloy — accused of rape, human trafficking, and different felony costs within the Philippines and the USA — had hundreds of his supporters put their our bodies on the road to save lots of their idol.

Idolatry is actual and stays an impediment to progress. The Dutertes — Vice President Sara and her father, former president Rodrigo — profit from the assist of their loyal political base. Though the current Stratbase-commissioned Social Climate Stations (SWS) survey on the impeachment criticism towards the Vice President confirmed her dwindling assist, a substantial variety of Filipinos stay loyal.

However for a lot of Filipinos, their cries for accountability, management, and justice ring louder than ever earlier than. The truth that 41% of Filipinos assist the Vice President’s impeachment is a strong indictment of her failures and her divisiveness, and the mistrust she has sown amongst Filipinos.

Steadiness Luzon’s overwhelming assist for impeachment (50% in settlement) is a powerful assertion. This isn’t merely about politics. It’s about residents demanding higher governance and a pacesetter who prioritizes the nation over private ambition. Within the Nationwide Capital Area (NCR), the numbers inform an analogous story, with 45% favoring impeachment. These areas, representing the financial and political heartbeat of the Philippines, have made it clear: sufficient is sufficient.

Distinction this with Mindanao, the place Duterte clings to a fragile assist base with 56% opposing impeachment. Let’s be sincere. This isn’t loyalty born of a fulfilled promise of progress or prosperity, however of tribalism and title recognition. The remainder of the nation shouldn’t be held hostage by the parochialism of 1 area. If Duterte have been actually a nationwide chief, her affect would lengthen past her familial stronghold.

The survey’s breakdown by socio-economic class is equally damning. Whereas the wealthier Class ABC exhibits the strongest assist for impeachment at 50%, even the much less prosperous Class E — those that usually bear the brunt of political failures — are divided, with 37% supporting impeachment and 36% opposing. These numbers point out that Duterte’s management has did not encourage confidence throughout all sectors of society.

Her opponents should ask: why does she stay in energy regardless of this widespread dissatisfaction? The reply lies not in her accomplishments — of which there are few — however in a scarcity of accountability mechanisms and a political tradition that rewards loyalty over competence.

The undecided and the uninformed

Nineteen p.c of respondents stay undecided, whereas 5% say they want extra data. This group is just not an indication of energy for Duterte, however an indication of the systemic failure to teach and inform our individuals in regards to the vital points at stake. Those that defend Duterte depend on this ignorance, hoping {that a} confused populace will stay apathetic.

The undecided should perceive that impeachment is all about ridding our bloated forms of divisive characters. It is usually about defending our democracy, upholding the rule of regulation, and making certain that the Philippines is just not shackled by leaders who view public workplace as a birthright.

Let’s deal with the elephant within the room: Mindanao’s staunch protection of Duterte is just not a testomony to her management, however a mirrored image of id politics at its worst. This unwavering loyalty blinds the area to the truth of Duterte’s failures and isolates Mindanao from the nationwide discourse. Loyalty to a pacesetter must be earned by precise good deeds, not by the inherited model of bluster and dramatics.

The numbers paint a damning image, however additionally they current a chance. Forty-one p.c of Filipinos — and the quantity is rising — consider that Sara Duterte is just not match for the workplace of the vice presidency. For many who agree, now’s the time to behave. For the undecided, it’s time to be taught the reality. And for individuals who nonetheless defend Duterte, ask yourselves: what has she actually performed to deserve your assist?

It’s about time that we should always search for leaders who serve the individuals, not their very own ambitions, whereas demanding accountability from those that maintain the best workplaces within the land. Sara Duterte’s tenure as vp has been marked by controversy, incompetence, and a refusal to take duty. The impeachment criticism is just not solely justified, it’s essential.

We mustn’t shrink back from laborious truths. The Philippines deserves leaders who uplift, not divide; who construct, not destroy; and who encourage hope, not cynicism. If Sara Duterte can’t meet these requirements, she has no enterprise being in public workplace. It’s time for her to go. – Rappler.com

Val A. Villanueva is a veteran enterprise journalist. He was a former enterprise editor of the Philippine Star and the Gokongwei-owned Manila Instances. For feedback, ideas electronic mail him at mvala.v@gmail.com.