2016 Philippine Presidential Election: 'The Punisher' Duterte's Reign Deemed to Create Change in US-Philippines Ties
Ahead of official announcements regarding the next president of the Philippines, Rodrigo "Digong" Duterte already claimed victory as partial tallies over the past two days revealed that he will be the current president's successor.
Despite the masses' early celebrations, there is buzz among political experts about Duterte's stance on the alliance between the U.S. and the Philippines. Under soon-to-bow President Benigno Aquino III's administration, the U.S.-Philippines ties were made stronger as he tried to balance the issues involving China's economic development.
While Aquino slammed discussions with China that he considered futile, it is speculated that Duterte will change the path that the former president has trod in terms of bilateral talks.
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According to CNN's Dan Steinbock, the 71-year-old president-in-waiting is not only a foreign policy realist, but he is also a social-democratic and nationalist. Due to his different views in significant economic, political and military matters, he might willingly adjust to China's conditions regarding talks over the South China Sea.
During some of his previous speeches, Duterte seemed to slam the U.S.-Philippines team-up and his statements implied that he would rather create an alliance with China. For the former Davao City mayor, cooperating with the American government could further ignite tension with China and also with Islamic extremist groups residing in the Southern suburbs of the Philippines.
Steinbock says Duterte may be leaning on China for trade investments as well as economic returns, while seeking the assistance of the next U.S. administration for security. While the said option is altogether contrary to the previous Philippine administration's balancing method, there is a possibility that ties between the Americans and Filipinos will be cooler but relationships with the Chinese will be warmer.
Duterte has made some bold statements and is looking to establish even more ambitious goals but experts believe that for the arrows to take aim, the upcoming president should be able to stabilize the economy of his home country first.
Meanwhile, Duterte's supporters are celebrating the rise of a new era: one that boasts of improved law and order. Jonathan Head of BBC News Manila, says the politics veteran gained the public's trust after he made an oath to eradicate crimes during his presidency.
Head notes that Duterte's goals of ending criminal movement in the country are difficult to reach as the Philippines has other major problems to be resolved including poverty and under-developed infrastructure.
Dubbed as "The Punisher" and the Philippines' "Dirty Harry," Duterte gave out controversial comments during his campaign, including a joke on the rape of an Australian lay minister in 1989 that gained international criticism.
TIME Magazine points out that despite the disappointment of some after Duterte's rape joke gained international attention, over 15 million Filipinos voted for him as they believe his tough and mean personality -- amid all the possible risks -- will be the quick fix that will finally halt rampant violence in the country.
