Punchline

Issue 4 A.Y. 1112

Depending on who is talking, Sara Duterte, the lady Mayor of Davao City, is either a heroine or a goon. After being caught on camera by the major television networks while punching a sheriff who, despite a request for a postponement of two hours, ordered the start of the demolition of the shanties of some 217 families of informal settlers in Davao City, Sara Duterte became a YouTube sensation overnight. She became the topic of discussions in barber shops and conversations in coffee and deli shops.  Almost everyone has personal view about the incident.

Sara has been charged administratively with the Ombudsman by the Sheriffs Confederation of the Philippines. Another lawyer wants her disbarred. The DILG Secretary has ordered and conducted its own investigation and Malacañang has declared that it will observe a hands-off policy on the issue. On the other hand, Abe Andres, the sheriff who got the ire of Duterte, has stated publicly that he does not hold any grudge against Sara.  Judge Carpio, the judge who authorized the demolition, ordered a 10-day stay of the demolition.  Moreover, the people of Davao City held a rally in support of Mayor Duterte.

The incident involving Mayor Duterte is a study in local leadership –- because the squatter problem is very local. The incident can be viewed from two perspectives: legal and humanitarian. From the legal point of view, the demolition must proceed because according to the Latin phrase, dura lex sed lex:  the law may be harsh, but it is the law.  From the human consideration point of view, provide the squatters with a habitable relocation site before demolition.  Mayor Duterte however viewed the situation from the point of view as a leader. The leader has the responsibility to take care of his constituents. And responsibility is not always dependent on the law.  This responsibility must combine law, human compassion, justice, management and leadership together.  Mayor Duterte understands the need for the demolition.  However, on that point, she also knows that violence would erupt if the demolition is carried out without able leadership.  She thinks that she could provide that kind of leadership. She wants to protect the informal settlers as well as the law enforcers.

However, she had that well publicized outburst because as she said, she was quite tired attending to a very serious situation that Davao City has not experienced quite recently.  Lives have been lost in the city floods. However, such action should not be condoned because as a leader, she overreacted.  But, in investigating the incident, her superiors should not overreact either.  This is not a case of corruption or self- aggrandizement. She is loved by her bosses (as President Noynoy Aquino remarks), the Davao City constituents she is only responsible to. A minute of uncalled-for outrage cannot and should not overshadow a year of efficient and unquestioned leadership.  After all, no matter how good a leader she is, she is but human.

 - Carmela Fojas, 10A

* Notice to readers: The views expressed in the Weekly Perspective do not necessarily reflect those of the Academic Committee or UP POLITICA