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The Duterte Effect

Philippine Politics / by

There is a lot of talk in the Philippines about the “Duterte Effect”.  What is the Duterte Effect?

Duterte Effect
Duterte Effect

Well, what people mean when they utter that phrase is that because of our new President, and how tough he is perceived to be, people kind of “fall in line” without need to be arrested or whatever, just to avoid the wrath of the new President.

As an example, in the days leading up to the oath taking of Rodrigo Duterte, a lot of criminals, especially drug dealers and manufactures were actually going to Police Stations across the country and turning themselves in, rather than being killed after Duterte took power.  I am kind of used to this kind of effect here in Davao, people here tend to try to be on their best behavior and avoid committing any crimes, just because they fear what will happen if the (then) Mayor finds out.

Well, I experienced the Duterte effect myself earlier this week.

Over two weeks ago, I made an online purchase from an eCommerce site in Manila.  Their procedures for payment were rather quirky, although normal for here in the Philippines.  You had to go to the bank physically and deposit the money into their bank account, then scan the deposit receipt and email it to them.  After receiving the email with the receipt they would ship you your purchase.

So, over two weeks ago, I did this, and placed a small order, only about $10 in all. I emailed them with a copy of my receipt.  It was shortly after sending that email that I started having my heart problems.  On Monday this week, I remembered about the order, and was wondering where it was, because it was long overdue.  So, I emailed the company and told them that I wanted to find out where my order was.  I also said that I wanted them to “ship it to me here in Davao City” immediately.  That was at like 6am in the morning when I emailed them.  I got a reply from the company before 7am, which is very rare!

They told me that they were very sorry and that they would ship it to me as soon as the shipping company was open!  I received the package in 24 hours.

The thing is, when they responded to my email, they indicated that they were worried about the poor service “because you are in Davao”.  In other words, they were worried that the President might get mad at them, or do something to them because I was in Davao and they did not treat me well.  I showed this to several friends, and everybody got a good laugh out of it.

So, I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank President Duterte for making eCommerce better in the Philippines, especially for those of us in Davao City!  Ha ha.. I never even considered that being in Davao City would lead to better customer service under the new Administration!

True story.

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Comments

  4. Fancy that? Now you can have better internet, food prices, no blackouts, discounts on movie theater, better contractors and workers…..
    Possibilities are endless!
    Glad to see you doing better. ….

    • Actually better internet is on its way. As soon as Duterte told the telecommunication businesses unless the internet improved he’d open it up to foreign competition they got things moving. Companies bought air space that they were sitting on.

      Of course now they are complaining about government interferences. Facts are the government, with certain businesses, has to interfere. Example: Opening up telecommunications to foreign competition.

  6. I wonder if any of that will rub off on his Hometown of Maasin City? According to the local/Intternet paper, they need some help.

  7. President Duterte started at a running pace; in fact he started before he was sworn in by talking with Muslims interests in Mindanao. As an ex-teacher I know that the BELIEF in what will happen (deterrent effect) can be more effective than action after the event; President Duterte has made it clear what happens if the law is not obeyed. He seems interested solely in the best interests of the people and not of himself. He may turn out to be the best leader The Philippines ever had and an example to leaders throughout the World.

    • Hi Steve – the things you say line up pretty closely with what I think too, and what I have experienced over the years that he was Mayor of our city.

  9. I remember the days in American when there was the Handshake Effect. The days when a man’s word and a handshake was as good as gold. Sadly those days are long gone. Would be very nice if we had a few men here in Washington D.C. like President Duterte. I am for one very glad he got elected.

    • I think he was the right man, Richard, and I hope that he proves me right! Yeah, the art of doing a deal on a handshake is a thing of the past, for the most part.

  10. The euphoria is not going to last for ever.
    He said three to six months maximum and the drug problem will be the thing of the past.
    Great!
    That means 10th of November or two days after US elections…!!!
    Coincidence?
    There are no coincidences or surprises in politics.
    I am of the opinion that he will do well in whatever the problems he will be facing and hope that he’ll have all the support from all levels including us, the foreigners.

  15. Bob that is really funny and great at the same time!

    PS: Glad to see you are on the road to recovery!

  17. i have no pity for Drug Dealers in any shape or form, as I have friend in australia that lost his 19 yr old son to drugs, so have not slightest bit of mercy or concerns if they all get shot.

  19. Drugs and crime need to be number 1 problem to be fixed.
    Next on the list should be corruption.
    Then he needs to change the education system so all children get taught honesty and also how to budget their money.
    If he manages all this then things will get better!
    Did I mention littering? None of these floods would occur in Manila or Cebu City if all the drains were not clogged with them plastic bags

  21. I am so happy that finally we have a president who truly care for his fellow citizens in our country! My biggest problem their is the corruptions is absolutely ridiculous. Hope the president will clean all this up!

      • Bob;
        One of the main things I like about him is his contempt for the media; America should follow his example and strip the media of their power. The liberals say that the right to bear arms only applies to muskets because of when the constitution was written, then it stands to reason that freedom of the press only covers newspapers, because in the 1700’s there was no TV and radio.
        The world is rejecting the political elite and the corrupt media. (Sorry Hillary!)

  26. He has a lot of people running scared
    Who knows maybe he will change things
    but poverty is so rampant , I’m not sure what he could do on that

  27. I pray the “effect” does not include an anti-american sentiment seeping into the general population. That would be disaster for my retirement plans and family.