The Presidency is no joking matter.
President Duterte, in a recent public address, said that his supposed jet ski promise during the 2016 elections was a "pure joke" and that Filipinos who believed it are plain "stupid."
"Panahon sa kampanya' yan at saka iyong biro na 'yon, we call it bravado," Duterte said. "Iyong bravado ko was a pure campaign joke, at kung naniniwala kayo sa kabila, pati na siguro si [retired Supreme Court justce Antonio] Carpio, I would say you're stupid," he continued.
But whether it was a joke or not is not the issue. Even back then, no one really expected him to literally ride a jet ski into the ocean. It was not possible. However, the logic behind Duterte's statement served as a promise of nationalism and a remark of defending our sovereign rights. Calling the Filipinos stupid five years later only goes to show what kind of administration he is running.
During his term, 'It's just a joke' has become Duterte's favorite excuse every time he is called out of his failures and shortcomings. At this point, Filipinos don't know anymore when the president is joking or being serious in his statements. It's becoming a severe problem for his administration, and we all deserve better.
We need a president who is honest and forthcoming with every word they say. A president we can trust and won't hide behind a "joke" when being criticized. We need a president and not a comedian.
