Former President Rodrigo Duterte is once again making headlines for his offhand remarks, this time joking about eliminating sitting senators to make way for his own political allies. During a recent public appearance, Duterte quipped that the only way his preferred candidates could secure Senate seats was if the current senators were “killed” to vacate their positions. Though delivered in his signature jesting manner, the comment has sparked concerns over the normalization of violent rhetoric in Philippine politics. This isn’t the first time Duterte has made controversial statements in the guise of humor.
Throughout his presidency, he was known for remarks about extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, and drug-related executions—comments that critics argue contribute to a culture of impunity. While some of his supporters dismiss the statement as mere hyperbole, others see it as a reflection of the aggressive political strategies that have defined Duterte’s leadership.
In a country still grappling with the consequences of his war on drugs and allegations of human rights violations, his words carry weight far beyond a casual joke. Should Filipinos continue to brush off such statements, or is it time to demand more accountability from public figures who set the tone for political discourse?
