30/10/2024
Rodrigo Duterte: The Senate Inquiry That Turned the Tide
By OPTIC Politics | Editorial
October 28, 2024
The recent Senate inquiry, chaired by Senator Koko Pimentel, was expected by many detractors of former President Rodrigo Duterte to be a full-on assault—a public reckoning that would corner Duterte and damage his legacy. Yet, to their frustration, the inquiry instead provided an unexpected platform for Duterte to reaffirm his devotion to the Filipino people and defend his record with conviction. What unfolded was nothing short of a revelation, an unmasking of some of the most vocal adversaries of the former president: former Senator Leila de Lima, Congressmen Benny Abante and Dan Fernandez, and Senator Risa Hontiveros. These figures, instead of wielding influence, became symbols of ineffectual opposition, brought into clear contrast by Duterte’s steadfastness.
A Platform for the People’s President
The inquiry gave Duterte a unique opportunity to communicate directly with the nation, revitalizing his image not just as a former president but as a statesman who remains deeply connected to the people. With each answer, he emphasized his lifelong commitment to the nation’s welfare, voicing his unwavering patriotism and love for the Filipino people. This was a clear reminder to both supporters and skeptics of the unbreakable bond between Duterte and the people who have repeatedly chosen to stand by him.
Exposing De Lima’s Failure in Office
Former Senator Leila de Lima’s role as Chair of the Commission on Human Rights, then as Secretary of Justice under President Noynoy Aquino, and later as a Senator, placed her in a powerful position to act. Yet, her tenure was marred by political vendettas, missed opportunities, and a relentless pursuit of Duterte that produced no tangible results. The inquiry underscored her failure to substantiate the accusations she has long hurled against Duterte, revealing her pursuit as personal rather than principled. Senator Jinggoy Estrada incisively pointed out her incompetence—a mismanagement of resources and priorities that may have cost the Filipino people dearly.
House Allies Falter: The Collusion of Abante and Fernandez
The inquiry also spotlighted the dubious role of Congressmen Benny Abante and Dan Fernandez. These representatives, members of the so-called “Quad Comm,” were exposed in what can only be described as an act of deception. Evidence revealed attempts to coerce Police Colonel Hector Grejalde into perjury, urging him to lie under oath. This brazen attempt to mislead the inquiry is both a breach of the public trust and a chilling example of how some are willing to subvert justice to smear Duterte. Their actions revealed a desperate pursuit of a narrative—one that was swiftly dismantled under the scrutiny of the inquiry.
Risa Hontiveros: A Spectacle of Misplaced Passion
Senator Risa Hontiveros’s conduct during the inquiry was equally telling. In her dogged attempts to trap Duterte in a web of legalese, she displayed not expertise but rather an embarrassing misunderstanding of the law she sought to leverage. With inquiries derailed and tempers frayed, she became emblematic of an opposition that, lacking evidence, resorts to spectacle. The hearing was suspended multiple times due to Hontiveros’s emotional outbursts, highlighting her inability to separate personal animus from professional conduct. Rather than ensnaring Duterte, she laid bare her own partisanship and lack of preparation.
A Nation United Behind Duterte Once Again
Perhaps most profoundly, this inquiry has united the nation in a way that the powers-that-be could never have anticipated. Filipinos, watching these proceedings unfold, saw not a disgraced former leader, but a man resolute in his convictions, defending his name and his legacy with characteristic forthrightness. In whispers and in public, the sentiment is clear: Duterte’s resilience and sincerity resonate deeply with the people, while the efforts of his adversaries have only backfired.
An Embarrassment to the Power Elite
The inquiry’s outcome has left many in the “power elite” reeling. They had banked on an inquiry that would discredit Duterte, expecting their allies in the Senate to orchestrate a public condemnation. Instead, the entire event turned into a strategic misstep, illuminating the pettiness and desperation of those who seek to dethrone Duterte’s influence. Even the so-called Quad Comm members, believed to be incentivized to attack Duterte, found their efforts met with scorn. Some sources suggest that these “powers” may now be reconsidering their strategies, opting not to call Duterte for further inquiries to avoid further embarrassment.
Conclusion: A Triumph for the People’s Champion
Rodrigo Duterte emerged from the Senate inquiry not as a besieged figure but as a resilient leader whose commitment to the Filipino people remains unshaken. His popularity, once again magnified, serves as a reminder to those who seek to silence him: Duterte’s legacy, rooted in his love for country and people, is indomitable. As detractors scramble to salvage what remains of their credibility, Duterte stands vindicated, his voice resonating with a nation that refuses to abandon him.
