Press Release
October 9, 2017

HONTIVEROS ON DUTERTE'S SATISFACTION AND TRUST RATINGS: OMINOUS WARNING OF WIDENING RUMBLINGS OF DISCONTENT

The survey is an ominous warning. There are deep and widening rumblings of discontent across different social classes and all over the country with rampant killings, fake news and numerous accusations of corruption.

President Duterte's authoritarian style of governance is losing its appeal and support among the public.

The writing on the wall is simple and clear: President Duterte cannot govern based on fear, lies and killings. He cannot govern outside the rule of law and with total disregard for human rights and expect no consequences. He cannot brag about cleaning the government of corruption when he himself cannot substantially and convincingly satisfy the public's demand for an explanation of his undeclared bank accounts.

President Duterte has no choice but to go back to the path of democracy. There is no alternative to democratic governance. There is no substitute for the rule of law and human rights.

I reiterate my call to the President to stop his bloody war on drugs that has killed thousands, including innocent minors. I also join the growing public clamor for President Duterte to fully explain the issues surrounding his alleged bank records.

The President may think that he is still popular. His supporters may even arrogantly believe that he is a "Teflon president" because they perceived that criticism, blame and scandal are never sticking to him. But even the strongest Teflon is not immune to damage. The survey showed deep damage to the President's reputation. And once the Teflon wears off, everything will stick.

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