Du30’s ratings and foul words

The language vehicle does not run short of expression, emphatic but respectful, convincing but not derogatory, illuminating but not offensive.” (Rheem of the Philippines vs. Ferrer, G.R. No. L-22979)

The sovereign Filipino people reaffirmed their support to President Rodrigo Duterte in his first 100 days in office. His 64% satisfaction rating based on the survey which the Social Weather Station (SWS) conducted shows it.

Such rating is higher than all other Philippine presidents’ rating in the same span of time and with only margin of errors close to former president Fidel Ramos’.

It is noteworthy that SWS conducted the survey on September 24–27, 2016. An excellent rating of 84% is given to him on the aspect of his war against illegal drugs. It is not difficult to see that the people support overwhelmingly the President’s asking for an extension of another six months of the said war, considering that he made such request and public announcement prior to the survey.

Aside from the satisfaction rating, on the same date the SWS also conducted a survey on trust rating. The latest result appears that the President gets an excellent rating of +76%.

Du30 is humble enough to grade himself six on a scale of 1 to 10. This is lower compared to the grades that credible people like Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma gave. The good archbishop gave him seven.

But there is one valid concern of many well-meaning people that refuses to go: the President’s foul words. Former president Fidel Ramos, who convinced Du30 to run for president, said that team Philippines is losing in the first 100 days of the Du30 administration. This is something that cannot be ignored. Ramos is bothered by the cuss words in the latter’s speeches.

Du30 should also be open-minded about the analysis of some economists that his foul language contributes a lot to the weakening of peso against the dollar. In this regard, however, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno was quick to say that the reason is not his boss’s mouth but the “result of the strengthening of the dollar more than the weakening of the peso.”

Many people, while expressing support for Du30, are also upset by the way the President uses expletives every time he delivers his unscripted speech.

Justifiably, Du30 is emotional every time he speaks something related to the vast drug problem because, as he claims, he loves his country and he does not want it to be destroyed by drugs. Unfortunately, there is something awkward when he emphasizes his concern of saving our children from the menace of drugs and yet at the same time he cusses in public with children listening to him.

I teach Mass Media Laws and Ethics, which includes the Broadcast Code of the Philippines, and I do not fail to tell my communication students the proper language to use on-air. Article 11 Section 13 of the code states that “the possibility that children might be among the audience should always be considered.” Note that “children” is defined by law as those below 18 years of age. Understandably, they should be dealt with utmost sensitivity.

If the President during his speech covered by the media is carried away by his emotions, I wish that somebody within his circle is brave enough to remind him of everyone’s common denominator, the concern for children.

Du30’s desire to save the future generation is commendable, but teaching them with good values is as laudable.

The people’s unshaken and unwavering support for the President is no mystery. We live at a time, a different time, where had it not been for Du30, our country would be the next Colombia in a matter of few years from now.

The President has still ample time in office. “Life is a constant change,” says a popular song of Jose Mari Chan, a singer and a composer.

Hopefully, the President could still make changes with regard to his choice of words as he makes adjustments to his new position.
Du30 will make his supporters prouder if in his next speeches he is more circumspect with his words.