Senator assails Duterte for 'conditioning minds of Filipinos'
Published Jan 5, 2018 11:13 am
By Mario Casayuran
A member of the Senate minority bloc accused the Duterte administration of conditioning the minds of the Filipino people on two major and controversial issues: the proposed absolution of the Marcos family of their crimes and the extension of term limits via a shift to a federal form of government.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros said the sudden talks of a “no election” (No El) scenario, term extension, and proposals to drop all cases against the Marcoses in exchange for a cut of the Marcos wealth is part of an elaborate political communication strategy to measure and massage public opinion.
Senator Risa Hontiveros
(Senate of the Philippines / MANILA BULLETIN) “It comes as no surprise that the public is being bombarded with all these political prospects and scenarios coming from the key leaders of the Executive and Legislative branches of the government. After all, these twin political projects will determine the fate of the Duterte government,’’ she said. ‘’The Marcos compromise deal will fortify its political alliance and federalism will extend the term limits of power-hungry public officials. The public must not be hoodwinked,” she stressed. “Together with its command of fake news, the Duterte government is testing the waters, measuring public perception regarding the acceptability of its twisted political projects, and conditioning the people’s mind to create false consent. It is a classic feature of an authoritarian regime. The government is keen on controlling public opinion knowing that it is ultimately the basis of its power and legitimacy,” she added. Hontiveros likened the current administration’s apparent moves to its failed attempt to mount support for a “revolutionary government.” She said that President Duterte tried to create a fake public clamor for a revolutionary government primarily to persuade the military to support the idea. “Fortunately, the proposal was shelved in the meantime because it failed to shore up support from the public and sway the military,” she explained. “If anything, this regime bows to strong public opinion and pressure. Let our voices be heard. Let us show our strength in the streets. The fear of public opinion by authoritarian leaders points to the potential of our voices as a force of good. We must not be intimidated and silenced,” she said.
Senator Risa Hontiveros(Senate of the Philippines / MANILA BULLETIN) “It comes as no surprise that the public is being bombarded with all these political prospects and scenarios coming from the key leaders of the Executive and Legislative branches of the government. After all, these twin political projects will determine the fate of the Duterte government,’’ she said. ‘’The Marcos compromise deal will fortify its political alliance and federalism will extend the term limits of power-hungry public officials. The public must not be hoodwinked,” she stressed. “Together with its command of fake news, the Duterte government is testing the waters, measuring public perception regarding the acceptability of its twisted political projects, and conditioning the people’s mind to create false consent. It is a classic feature of an authoritarian regime. The government is keen on controlling public opinion knowing that it is ultimately the basis of its power and legitimacy,” she added. Hontiveros likened the current administration’s apparent moves to its failed attempt to mount support for a “revolutionary government.” She said that President Duterte tried to create a fake public clamor for a revolutionary government primarily to persuade the military to support the idea. “Fortunately, the proposal was shelved in the meantime because it failed to shore up support from the public and sway the military,” she explained. “If anything, this regime bows to strong public opinion and pressure. Let our voices be heard. Let us show our strength in the streets. The fear of public opinion by authoritarian leaders points to the potential of our voices as a force of good. We must not be intimidated and silenced,” she said.