The international community is becoming more concerned about the Philippines’ current political path as the majority of the voting population in the country continues to root for tough-talking Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
According to Reuters, it appears as though residents of the developing archipelago in Asia is looking to elect a president that vows to challenge China's claims in the disputed territories in the South China Sea by jet-skiing in the waters and planting his country's flag in the islands.
Duterte, who is now being dubbed by netizens as the "Trump of the East," has incited debate among netizens both in the Philippines and abroad, with some arguing that his iron fist may not be what the country needs right now.
Duterte: Good or Bad for the Philippines?
A report from the Morning News USA pointed out the incessant argument on whether or not electing the Davao City mayor will be the best choice considering his political ruthlessness.
"The question is quite difficult to put into context as no politician has ever been truly on the just positive or negative side of things--yet people still continue to discuss about it," the report read.
According to the outlet, most of the country was outraged by his comment implicating a rape victim as well as the raised eyebrows at how he threatened to cut ties with allied countries, but there are still some who came to his defense.
"What I like about him is that he is fearless--he does not care about anyone or anything, he does not say anything to pander to anyone. It's why he gets in trouble," explained Gina Lopez as quoted by the Los Angeles Times.
Duterte's Dictatorship
A Rappler report dedicated to the candidate pointed out how Duterte managed to make the southern city of Davao as one of the safest cities in the world, which may be the reason why many Filipinos are looking up to him for change in the archipelago.
But the outlet also noted that Duterte's victory in the upcoming May 9 election might just be the strongest statement that the Filipino has decided to be under his dictatorship.
Dubbed as "The Punisher," Duterte has been linked to several extrajudicial killings in Davao City as per a profile compiled by CNN.
According to the outlet, the mayor himself confirmed this in live television, saying in a mix of English and Visayan language: "Me? They are saying that I'm part of a death squad? True, that's true."
While he is leading the current polls, whether or not he will succeed still depends on the Filipinos' final decision as they cast their votes on Monday, May 9.