MANILA, Philippines – Half of the Duterte presidency will have come and gone on June 30, and already, in Philippine society, we see a people that have been divided.

The stories are rife – whether confessed in guilt-ridden social media posts or ranted about in late-night drinking sessions. There are children estranged from their parents, friends who “un-friend” each other, officemates who can’t look each other in the eye – all because of Philippine politics.

So corrosive has it become that many people divide their social circle according to “pro-Duterte” and “anti-Duterte.” The extreme ends of the two groups can’t stand each other. Those in the middle often choose silence or caution. It’s harder to speak up nowadays about your views on the President and the government.

Weeks before he took his oath as president in 2016, he promised to “start the healing,” yet Rodrigo Duterte, with his foul language and threats against dissenting voices, has contributed to the boil. 

“Let’s begin to forget and start healing. I would like to reach the hands of my opponents. Let us be friends,” he had said.

It was presidential and inspiring, yet ultimately a promise he failed to keep.

THREE CONFESSIONS

Three Filipinos share their story from their places in the political spectrum. Their confessions deal with heartbreak, coming to terms with their values, and finding or failing to find the courage to speak up in such a divisive atmosphere.

Let’s hear them out. (Also subscribe to Rappler podcasts on iTunes and Spotify)

Rory and her Duterte supporter dad 

Rory (not her real name) is a 27-year-old based in Metro Manila who grew up in Davao City. She speaks to us about her rift with her father, a passionate Duterte supporter. 

Kelly Dayag’s undying support for Duterte 

Kelly Dayag is a 40-year-old physical therapist living in California. He tells us why Duterte supporters remain devoted to the President, even at the expense of personal relationships.

Ruther Flores’ journey from Duterte supporter to critic

Ruther Flores used to be an aggressive Duterte supporter, until he got disillusioned and found himself more critical of the government. He tells us about his journey.

– Rappler.com 

Go to The Halfway Mark, Rappler’s special report on President Duterte’s 3rd year in office, for more news, in-depth reports, analyses, podcasts, and videos.