The recent Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on the Philippine war on drugs under the Duterte administration has laid bare a disturbing reality about the state of governance and public sentiment in the country. The hearings have uncovered alarming admissions that reveal not only the brutality of the campaign but also an unsettling normalization of violence and a chilling disregard for human life.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s unapologetic demeanor during the hearing exemplifies a leader who wielded power with an iron fist, treating the lives of countless Filipinos as expendable in his quest for a so-called “better” society.
Duterte’s insistence on killing criminals—often with a disconcerting casualness—has been met with applause from segments of the audience, a stark reminder of how pervasive and insidious the culture of violence has become in the Philippines. This show of support reflects a troubling mentality that celebrates extrajudicial killings as a solution to crime, underscoring a collective desensitization to violence that poses a grave threat to the rule of law.
The admissions during the hearing revealed the systematic nature of the killings, with officials outlining how police operations were designed not just to apprehend, but to eliminate perceived threats without due process. Duterte’s notorious “kill them all” rhetoric, which he reiterated during the hearings, showcases his unremorseful attitude. He dismisses concerns over human rights violations as mere distractions from his mission. This kind of governance, rooted in fear and aggression, signifies a departure from democratic principles and a dangerous embrace of authoritarianism.
Moreover, the vulgarity that punctuated Duterte’s speeches is emblematic of his approach to leadership. His crude remarks, often laced with insults towards critics and a blatant disregard for the victims’ families, highlight a leader who sees himself as above reproach. Such behavior is not merely a reflection of his personality but an embodiment of a broader systemic issue in Philippine politics—a casual acceptance of violence and a disturbing lack of empathy. It raises questions about the kind of society that emerges when leaders dehumanize their citizens and normalize brutality as a method of governance.
The response from the audience during the hearings further complicates the narrative. Applause and cheers for Duterte’s promises to continue a bloody campaign against crime reveal a deeply ingrained belief that violence is an acceptable means to an end. This reaction serves as a grim indicator of how pervasive the idea of lawlessness has become in the national psyche. For many, the promise of safety, even if it comes at the cost of human lives, is a seductive proposition. It underscores a profound moral decay where the value of human life is overshadowed by the desire for quick fixes to complex societal problems.
What is perhaps most alarming is the implication of these hearings for the future of Philippine governance. The culture of impunity espoused during Duterte’s administration has set a precedent that could embolden future leaders to adopt similar tactics. If violence and intimidation continue to be seen as viable political tools, the cycle of bloodshed and repression may perpetuate itself, leaving future generations to grapple with the consequences.
In a nation still reeling from the aftermath of Duterte’s war on drugs, these hearings should serve as a clarion call for citizens and lawmakers alike. There must be a concerted effort to reestablish the sanctity of human life, prioritize due process, and hold accountable those who have perpetrated violence under the guise of justice. The challenge ahead is not merely to seek justice for the victims of this brutal campaign but to rebuild a society that values life, dignity, and the rule of law over fear and authoritarian control.
The recent Philippine Senate hearing is more than a recounting of past misdeeds; it is a sobering reflection on a country at a crossroads, grappling with the consequences of a leadership that treated human life as disposable. Without a fundamental shift in values and governance, the specter of violence will continue to haunt the Philippines, and it’s high time we seize it.
