THE 16th president of the Philippines — Rodrigo Duterte — has finally taken the oath of office on June 30, after a highly contro- versial campaign and election season. Many Filipinos in America who started out as not even knowing much about the former Davao City mayor, and those who were doubtful and even scared about his rogue and unortho- dox way of leadership, have begun to warm up to the successor of Pres. Benigno Aqui- no III as they begin to know more about his vision and plans for the countrty.
In a recent online poll of The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang Amer- ica,” an overwheming majority — 87 per- cent — of the viewers who voted expressed optimism about the Philippines under the Duterte presidency.
Many kababayans were also fired up by Duterte’s inaugural speech, as he laid down what he planned to do. The fight against corruption, abuse of power in government, delivery of basic services especially to the poorest and marginalized sectors of the country, and the respect for and ad- herance to the rule of law — all resonated with Fil-Ams as well.
They’re also impressed by the simplic- ity of the inauguration process, hopefully a good foreshadowing of governance that allocates limited resources conscientiously and pragmatically.
Duterte jumpstarted the action to fulfill his campaign promises by convening his newly appointed members of the cabinet, giving them marching order to solve the immediate problems the country, especially the worsening traffic situation in Metro Ma- nila.
Duterte also promised to be the presi- dent for all, signifying the inclusiveness of his administration. Many Fil-Ams were sur- prised to see militants who used to rally out- side Malacanang were invited to Duterte’s big day.
Fil-Ams hope such inclusiveness also covers the newly sworn-in VP Leni Robre- do. If their cordial meeting on day 2 of this administration is to be an indication, the Philippines indeed has much to be hopeful about!
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Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos
