MANILA, Philippines — In a recent Facebook post, former Commission on Elections Commissioner Atty. Rowena Guanzon shared remarks from Atty. Kaufman during the International Criminal Court hearing, highlighting the unique political persona of former President Rodrigo Duterte and contrasting it with his successor, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Kaufman described Duterte as “a unique phenomenon” whose style of governance—marked by blunt speech, expletives, and bold rhetoric—was both unconventional and polarizing. Yet, he noted that Duterte’s popularity was fueled by a sense of honesty and directness: “For President Duterte, his word was his word, and the people knew it.” Guanzon emphasized that, unlike Duterte, Marcos Jr. has failed to inspire the same perception of trust: “For President Bongbong Marcos, his word is for the wind—and the people will not forget it.”

The statement underscores a broader discourse on political authenticity and accountability in the Philippines. In an era where social media amplifies every promise, the public’s expectation is not only transparency but also consistency between words and action. Duterte’s tenure demonstrated that even a polarizing leader could command loyalty through perceived sincerity, while Marcos Jr.’s presidency now faces scrutiny over how promises translate into tangible governance. The contrast raises critical questions about leadership in contemporary Philippine politics: Does the Filipino electorate value style over substance, or are words alone insufficient without concrete action? And, ultimately, can a president regain public trust if perception of sincerity is lost? (Larawan mula: Atty. Rowena Guanzon, Bongbong Marcos, Rody Duterte / Facebook)