Tough but rough
Remorse can be a probable feeling for what we have done especially if we don't mean something as it is just a result of one's outburst of emotion. This is when one can't manage emotion.
Calculating one's emotion so as not to hurt anybody is a distinction of a cultured, sensitive and mature person. But if a person is infamous to have displayed or has the propensity to manifest such kind of emotion then this is something that his immediate acquaintances have long known and understood. However, this can be very well misconstrued for those outside the clique.
Such is the case of presidential aspirant Rodrigo "Digong" Duterte when he cursed the pope's visit to our country. Such visit has caused monstrous traffic. Issuing derogatory statement has created a great divide of views and opinions on the social media. Some defended him as he was just being true to his feelings. And continued to rationalize his act that what is even worse are those who camouflaged to be good when in fact they have amassed wealth from the government and disadvantaged the greater majority. While others viewed that it's disrespectful to the Holy Father and that he thinks he can say and do without impunity.
At first, for awhile he was as usual combative by revealing that he was allegedly once a victim of abuse by the religious sector. He later on asked for apology, however, denied issuing such derogatory statement. He instead used the reason that it was intended for the "government's incompetence to address the traffic problem, and his expression of anger was borne out of the helplessness of the millions of commuters suffering from this daily gridlock." Apologizing but denying wrongdoing is an insincere and dishonest apology. Why apologize in the first place when you did nothing wrong? Apology is taken when one is indeed serious in accepting one's failings.
For those who came to the rescue have this pardoning rationalization. "The mayor's environment and experience brought him up speaking tough, rough and uncensored. The mayor came from a time and place of great conflict and suffering. While the mayor's words and statements were stronger than what is deemed socially accepted by some, and may rub some the wrong way, the most important thing is he is authentic and his heart is in the right place. He is who he is. He will always fight for the people and never allow them to suffer."
However, some say Duterte is just like other politicians who say this and that and when confronted would deny higher than the heavens. People do not know how to embrace the responsibilities of their actions and words.
While it is true that the public should focus on how to change the country for the better but such highest position of the land requires a certain degree of propriety, caution and retrospection. His style of leadership has worked in his city and others claim this is the answer to the current need. However, this local style may not necessarily work given the intensity and magnitude of reach. He may be the answer to what others would consider the kind of leader this country needs–a man with an iron hand to end all these drug cases, corruption and crimes. And if luck be on his side and be given the mandate, along the way, I suppose there has to be some refinements needed based on some other unique requisites considering the position's nobility and honor. Because otherwise others would look for dependable choices who are better cultured, respectful and truly cared for others.
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