Speech at the plenary debate on the Philippines
“Hold the line!” “Hold the line!” This is the promise that Mr. Duterte’s opponents courageously and nobly made to themselves.
“Hold the line” because, in the Philippines, nearly 9,000 people, and probably many more, have been killed by henchmen of the power, under the pretext of fighting drug trafficking or drug consumption.
“Hold the line” because, journalists, intellectuals, academics or lawyers, opponents risk not only arrest but also assassination.
“Hold the line” because the prison occupancy rate has just reached 534%.
Dictators are usually outraged at reports that overwhelm them, but Mr. Duterte never is. He boasts about it because, as he says, one should not, absolutely not get encumbered with procedures and respect for human rights. He is there and that is enough, since this supreme judge has given himself the right to decide on life and death.
History has known another Duterte. It was in Rome. His name was Nero.
Mr Duterte, to the shame of us all, is the Nero of modern times.
