'Metamorphosed' Duterte seen at inauguration, says UP prof

MANILA, Philippines – True to his words, newly-sworn President Rodrigo Duterte seemed to have “metamorphosed” as seen in his short and curse-free speech, a University of the Philippines educator said Friday.

Criticized for his gutter language and rudeness, Duterte once promised to metamorphose from a "caterpillar into a butterfly” when he assumes office on June 30.

“But that (metamorphosis) is yet to be fully seen,” political science professor Jan Robert Go told Philstar.com in an online interview.

In a speech following his inauguration, the 71-year-old president called on Filipinos to give him a chance to lead the country, emphasizing the need for unity if they want true change.

“The change, if it is to be permanent and significant, must start with us and in us,” Duterte said.

The message of the inaugural speech, according to Go, meant that the new president requires changing not only from the top but from every Filipino, setting aside the doubts cast on him by his critics.

Duterte also highlighted the country's problems of corruption, drugs, criminality and the erosion of faith and trust in government. 

The analyst said Duterte, who came in “strong and commanding in a positive way,” has displayed early demonstration of what he called as “political will.”

“He ordered his Cabinet to work quickly,” he said. “This is a show of one’s sincerity to effect change.”

Though Duterte may have speechwriters, the president’s “personal touch” on his speech was apparent, the analyst said.

“His adlib in the end and his message for Turkey was very presidential,” Go said.

Lights and shadows

Duterte, who broke many traditions in his inauguration, has been criticized for a semblance of disunity created by the separate inaugurations of the two highest officials.

The president and Vice President Leni Robredo had their inaugural ceremony held separately at the Malacañang Palace and at the Quezon City Reception House in New Manila, respectively, which is a first in history. 

While this move may not be within the tastes of traditionalists and conservatives, the analyst said separate inaugurations benefited both Duterte and Robredo as they are not required that they go together.

“Separate inaugurations gave us the opportunity to hear both the president and the vice president to speak. In the usual form, only the president gives an address,” Go said.

“Duterte might have lost the opportunity to forge unity, though. Nevertheless, we had enough moments and time to appreciate both leaders of our country as they begin their terms,” he added.

The analyst believes Duterte will be a “working president” amid criticisms as there were in former presidencies.

"There will always be critics and criticisms. In my view, his speech attempts to provide a positive outlook of the days, months and years to come. We must be optimistic, but remain vigilant," he said.