Since Rodrigo Duterte became president of the Philippines in 2016, international media has been very interested in Philippine politics. The international press has been much more interested in Philippine politics since Rodrigo Duterte was elected president in 2016.
To understand Philippine politics in general – and Duterte’s success in particular — it is necessary to take a close look at the role played by media and celebrities in the national election machine.
Duterte has benefited from a political culture in which policies and processes were less effective in gaining votes than the glamour of show business or personal charisma.
Celebrity Factor
Duterte follows a long tradition of politicians who have espoused macho style. This formula has worked in the Philippines at least since the 1960s , when Ferdinand Marcos with his glamorous wife Imelda rose from power by using flashy performances and film star looks to generate popular appeal.
Duterte Harry and The Punisher are his two nicknames, which reflect Duterte’s reputation as an aggressive man who does not take hostages.
Filipino politicians don’t just adopt celebrities’ looks and styles to get votes. Many of them were celebrities prior to becoming politicians.
In many parts of the country, actors, singers and comedians are elected to political offices. In 2016, 44 celebrities from show business were candidates on the local or national level.
Celebrities are often the only candidates that can create enough momentum for an election in a political world dominated by dynastic family – some of which control entire provinces or areas.
The world champion boxer Manny Pacquiao also serves as a senator for the Philippines. Erik De Castro/Reuters
Manny Pacquiao is a member of the Philippine Senate. He was a boxer and world champion who recently won back his welterweight belt while taking a break from his duties as a senator. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III is a famous star in the Philippines who has been hosting a popular noontime variety show for over 30 years. He’s also a Senator.
Scandals, investigations and scandals
In late 2016, instead of entertaining the public with comedy shows or sporting events, senators Sotto & Pacquiao appeared on TV screens throughout the country to cross-examine witnesses during a televised investigation into the murder of an arrested Mayor in his jail cell. Many Filipinos across the country were transfixed by daily events that resembled courtroom dramas.
The private life of Sen. Leila De Lima – a rare voice in opposition to Duterte – was discussed in graphic detail for several weeks in congress and the senate, where investigations on drug trafficking and corruption were conducted.
De Lima was previously the Secretary of Justice and had been alleged of running a drug traffic through prisons using her driver with whom she confessed to having a romantic relationship.
After much evasion, he was called to testify in the House of Representatives and the Senate. He claimed that drug dealers had paid him bribes. De Lima’s defenders , however, insist that such claims are fabrications .
In the televised proceedings of the senate, a charismatic National Police Chief and an arrested drug lord Kerwin Espinosa , who wanted to atone the death of his father , gave dramatic testimony.
The police chief, a close Duterte friend and ally known as “The Rock”, was in tears when he spoke to the Senate after hearing testimony about corrupt officers.
TV Politics
These political intrigues are not a coincidence. Filipinos follow these melodramatic stories as closely as they would a TV serial.
People discuss daily revelations and entanglements while watching live broadcasts, listening to radios, or even while on public transportation. As part of everyday life, such conversations are mixed with celebrity gossip and discussions about television. People speculate about the twists of events each day and think about personal animosities and family history behind political disputes.
The teleserye, which were originally inspired by Latin American Telenovelas, are often characterized by themes such as betrayal and revenge.