War Tactics

 

                                                     (photo: youtube.com)

Former President Rodrigo Duterte reacted sharply on Wednesday to Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas' questioning during the 11th House quad committee hearing on his war on drugs. Brosas insisted that Duterte answer with just a "yes" or "no." Duterte responded, "You are not an investigator. Why are you asking me to answer yes or no? Are you a police officer?"

At times, the audience laughed and clapped, which annoyed some of the lawmakers. Rep. Castro, visibly upset, said, "This is not a joke!"

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Politicians being aligned with the popular will of the people is a fundamental aspect of democratic governance.

In the study “Political Legitimacy in the Modern State” by David Beetham (1991), he posited that political legitimacy is largely derived from public support. When politicians align with the popular will, they maintain the legitimacy of their rule, as citizens are more likely to trust institutions and leaders who reflect their preferences.

Duterte won the presidential race with 16,601,997 votes. This implies that 38.5% of the those who voted in the 2016 elections believe on his advocacies and platforms.

When politicians stand against the popular will, they risk a wide range of negative consequences, including eroding legitimacy, provoking public unrest, increasing political polarization, and facing electoral punishment.

Since many of these politicians view themselves as "brands," they feel the need to constantly "sell" their image to the public. In some cases, this has allegedly led them to resort to unethical tactics, such as buying votes, in order to secure a place in the race for popularity and power.

Smith’s (2003) research on political conflict suggests that sometimes, attacking or undermining a popular figure can backfire and end up strengthening their position. Popular politicians often enjoy the "victim" status when they are attacked, which can generate sympathy and consolidate their base of support.

Making an enemy of a very popular politician carries significant risks, from damaged reputation and electoral consequences to political isolation and the strengthening of the opponent's position. Such actions can trigger media scrutiny, increase polarization, and lead to party discipline problems.

The conflict can also escalate into a personal battle, distracting from important political issues and reducing the challenger’s ability to govern effectively. While politicians may engage in such confrontations for strategic reasons, the risks involved often outweigh the potential benefits, particularly if the popular figure enjoys deep public loyalty and influence.

This writer is NOT suggesting for the political leaders to keep safe and stop making stands. Politicians who stand against popular sentiment often pay a high price in terms of both their political careers and the stability of the broader political system.

Was it Lao Tzu who wisely advised that, before stepping onto the battlefield, one must first understand their enemy?

It’s wiser to seek a more thoughtful solution than to let your emotions take over, only to risk becoming a laughingstock.