Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — A welcome move.
This was how political strategist Malou Tiquia reacted to President Rodrigo Duterte’s first sit-down interview with the local media with CNN Philippines’ senior anchor Pinky Webb on Thursday.
“It’s good that he explained himself to the public,” Tyquia said. “It made certain things very clear, understandable.”
Tiquia also noted how the President took an effort to control his temper and say cuss words during the hour-long interview.
She said the people might not be accustomed to Duterte’s character, being “direct and unfiltered,” but this would — in a way — be good for the public.
Tyquia also acknowledged that Duterte’s presidential victory was something for the history books — given he had no national machinery to run a national campaign.
“You don’t run a national campaign with four governors. That’s not the traditional route,” she said.
Related: Duterte ready to defend presidency
That’s why to those calling for Duterte’s ouster, Tyquia said these camps should respect the mandate given to Duterte by 16 million Filipinos — not the 40 or so elite families in the country.
For netizen Jane Uymatiao (or @philippine-beat on Twitter), 183 days in office would be too early to call for any removal.
“We cannot live the rest of our lives calling for ouster,” Uymatiao said, adding she was very happy with the President’s decision to talk at length to the local media.
Tyquia added that the new administration has not had an easy six months — given the problems to be dealt with.
