A Realist Critique of Vicente Rafael's "Hobbesian World"

On the 13th of June 2016, Filipino historian Vicente Rafael published a commentary in the Inquirer entitled “Duterte’s Hobbesian World." In that article, Rafael pointed out the seeming non-existence of the idea of “universal human rights…in the local-regional world of Duterte.” And in Duterte’s world, these principles, Rafael argued, are “abstract impositions by the West that infringe on the sovereignty of nations.”

It’s a thoughtful piece that contextualised Duterte’s vision of justice. Rafael believes that Duterte was shaped by a “Hobbesian world,” i.e. the Davao of the 1990s.

Reality Bites: The indispensability of Marcos Jr

Eyebrows raised (including mine) when Duterte said that he wouldn’t give Robredo, the Vice President-elect, a cabinet position. “You know why?” he said. “I don't want to hurt the feelings of Bongbong Marcos. He is my friend. That is the political reality.” Robredo’s supporters got mad, running around as if the sky is falling.

It is politically risky to give Robredo a cabinet position while Marcos Jr is still considering to file an electoral protest against her.