Revolutionary Pivot: Duterte Offers “Drug‑War Over‑The‑Top” to Leni Robredo
In a baffling turn of events that could make a sitcom writer blush, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has tossed the idea of handing the pandemic‑level drug crisis over to his opposition guru, Vice‑President Leni Robredo. The headline‑grabber comes after Robredo fired back at Duterte’s controversial “war on drugs,” which has racked up thousands of casualties and international outcry.
“I’ll Toss the Gavel to You, Leni!”
During a recent speech to newly appointed officials, Duterte shocked watchers by saying:
“I’ll surrender my powers to enforce the law, and hand it over to you for six months. I’ll just let you do your thing—no interference.”
Is this a genuine offer or a sarcastic jab? The president said he’d draft a letter to the former human‑rights lawyer, yet he left the door open for Robredo to kick off the job “anytime,” even as soon as next evening.
Robredo’s Candidates’ List of Demands
- Full UN Investigation: Robredo is calling for the United Nations to dig into reported rights abuses.
- Transparent Standards: She demands a clear, evidence‑based set of guidelines for law enforcement.
- Voice of the Oppressed: Robredo insists that no voice—no matter how small—can be ignored.
Meanwhile, the Philippine government remains defiant, asserting that the killings are a result of police resistance‑to‑arrest and rejecting accusations of “extrajudicial” executions.
Fans, Critics, and the International Crowd
The exchange has stirred a storm of reactions:
- Supporters: Rally behind Duterte’s draconian approach, citing domestic popularity.
- Human‑Rights Advocates: Crank their protests to the horizon, demanding accountability.
- Global Media: Standing on the sidelines, covering every twist and turn.
With the political scoreboard shifting, voters, officials, and the world hang on to the next chapter. Who will be crowned “drug czar”? Will Robredo transform the crisis, or will it stay a “hot‑pot” of controversy? Only time— and maybe a few more public statements—will tell.
