ALTHOUGH I haven’t read yet Earl Parreno’s book “Beyond Will and Power”, a sort of unauthorized biography of President Duterte, except for some overviews and initial critique that came out on newspapers and social media, I think it is a good attempt to decipher the most enigmatic and interesting person in the country and in contemporary Southeast Asia.
As far as I know, no one has ever yet made a more comprehensive and objective study on Duterte’s family lineage, social class associations, factors that shaped his worldview and standpoint, his reign as Davao City’s mayor, his ascent to presidency and possession of national power, and his perplexing leadership ways.
Earl’s book is certainly a daring breakthrough at unmasking the president, although some says it is carefully crafted, study parameters are well defined, so as not to make the book appear pro or against in order to avoid possible retaliation from the president and his men.
Scholars and social scientists share common framework and approaches to understanding big figures in society – their philosophies and idol figures, how they made great nations, and how they were brought down from power.
The “masa”, on the other hand, analyze and judge these figures in a simpler standpoint, whether their quality of life has improved or deteriorated.
I agree with the scholars and the masa’s views.
But personally, I’d like to go beyond, get the bigger economic and political picture. I am intrigued that on one moment, he can be brutal, masochist, and hitlerian, and on the other moment, he can be so benign, loving and caring like a traditional father we all know.
I am also intrigued by his unique personality, unorthodox, ironical and disruptive ways of presidency.
Many times he made promises and commitments, and in some other times, he swallowed them as if nothing has been said all along.
More than these, I’d like to know what factors have really shaped Duterte to swing from being a longtime friend of the left, a self-professed socialist, to become their worst enemy and nightmare.
I’d like to unravel the factors that made him polarize this nation, and the mindset that made him loved or feared by the military and police generals but still brought them to control the levers of political power.
I have forwarded some analysis of him from my own direct experience, talks with some people closer to him, and based on his declarations and actions. But so many things continue to puzzle me about this guy.
Earl may have answered some of my queries and puzzles, but I doubt whether he personally dared to make conclusions. Of course, I can understand him for putting some limits on his findings and analysis.
Nonetheless, all I am saying is that, Earl’s attempt should inspire others, scholars, social scientists, community leaders, even civil society organizations to do their own deciphering of Duterte, not only to understand him well, but predict his thoughts and actions and deal with him effectively on a tactical and strategic level.
Kudos to Earl, a long-time friend and colleague in the people’s movement during the dark years of martial rule.