Rodrigo Duterte popular?
It is obvious that the majority of Philippines countrymen don’t like the current Philippines President Benigno Aquino III and his administration (‘Why Filipinos root for Duterte’, Gulf News, April 28). They don’t like him enough to embrace Rodrigo Duterte. Right or wrong, the common people don’t really care what Duterte says or who he offends. Duterte is clearly the product of the angry backlash created by a divisive president.
From Mr Glen Graciel Sabangan Cuarto
UAE
Facebook comment
Not surprising
Duterte is still a better option than the other presidential candidates. Because of the frustration among Filipinos and their anger towards their fraudulent politicians. It’s not that astonishing that many will vote for this man, especially Filipino overseas workers.
From Ms Gianna Catolico
UAE
Facebook comment
What about his comments?
Isn’t Duterte the same man who joked about the gang rape and death of the Australian missionary? I guess the public does have a short memory. I’m not trying to interfere in the politics of the Philippines, but I think it’s a fair question. There was a write-up on his comments a few days ago.
From Ms Lorraine D’Costa
UAE
Facebook comment
Moving on
The media spread it in this negative way, but if you watched the whole video, he just said it as a narrative. Also, he already apologised to the Filipino people. I guess it’s not hard to move on.
From Mr Khawla Khalid Bin Ghalita
UAE
Facebook comment
Blown out of proportion
There are far worse words uttered by many politicians. It’s equally offensive for him to have said a rape joke, but he was bombarded with criticism because he is leading. So the media blew it up!
From Ms Rizalina Rendon Ventic
UAE
Facebook comment
Protects women’s rights
In the Philippines, people should choose a bad joke rather than a bad government. Besides, Duterte also passed the city’s women’s development code, the first and only in the country that aims to uphold the rights of women and the belief in their worth and dignity as human beings. He pushed for the Magna Carta for Women in Davao, Philippines. It is a comprehensive women’s human rights law that seeks to eliminate discrimination against women. This law recognises, protects, fulfils and promotes the rights of Filipino women.
From Ms Joy Uy Cadangan
UAE
Facebook comment
No change overnight
Close to 100 million people are depending on one person to change everything overnight. Sorry to say, but voting alone will not solve or change anything in that country. People need to change themselves first and then expect more from their government.
They need to come out of this mindset. You can’t always blame the government for poverty.
From Mr Rohit Punjabi
UAE
Facebook comment
Hold governments accountable
That is such a wrong sentiment, Mr Rohit Punjabi. So, we should just not hold the Philippines government accountable?
To say that it’s the fault of the individual is like saying the government isn’t responsible for a rise in crime or a decline in health because people shouldn’t do crime and their peers should stop them from doing crime and people should take care of themselves better. What happened to investing in infrastructure for healthcare and reducing corruption in law enforcement? Isn’t that what we want governments to do to make our lives better?
From Ms Lara Pia
Manila, Philippines
Facebook comment
Stop the negativity
It’s sad that people from the Philippines are promoting their country as unsafe in the comments on the Gulf News Facebook page (‘Philippines’ Aquino vows to ‘neutralise’ Abu Sayyaf kidnappers’, Gulf News, April 28)! Even if we are frustrated with the current government, we can still do something in this coming election. It’s our chance to put the right people in our government, people that we think can help us stop these terrorist acts. Be smart in voting this coming election
From Mr Nshiph Buale Bitilan
UAE
Facebook comment
Be sure to vote
The whole world knows already what is happening in Mindanao, Philippines with the terrorist movement, but only our government can do something. Unfortunately, our President doesn’t seem to care because he is too busy endorsing his successor and political party for the upcoming elections. Be wise in voting.
From Mr YumiKo Sayuri
UAE
Facebook comment
Always be grateful
It was very heart-warming to read the story about the Syrian toddler who’s not only received two prosthetic legs, but also a chance to live a life, just like anyone else his age (‘Artificial limbs offer Syrians new lease of life’, Gulf News, April 28). In the story it is mentioned that three-year-old Seif has already made peace with walking on his stumps, but now with his new legs, he is fighting another battle to learn how to walk. It is highly inspiring to read about this little boy’s struggle to get back to living a ‘normal’ life. To be three years old and open your eyes to war, losing your legs and family members is not something that the regular three-year-old has gone through but to see the determination in this boy is amazing. We often complain about our daily struggles, which are absolutely nothing compared to what this boy has gone through, and reading his story has definitely given some perspective on life. Cherish what you have, and always be grateful because you never know what tomorrow might bring you.
From Ms Erika Jackson
Abu Dhabi
What about privacy?
Technology is good, but having the ability to record video through contact lenses means that all your privacy is exposed (‘Facebook video: These contact lenses can record and play back video’, Gulf News, April 28). It’s worrisome – interesting, but scary.
From Mr David Smith
UAE
Facebook comment
Illegal activity
So now people won’t need to take a camera to illegally record movies at the cinema? I think there are too many opportunities for illegal activity.
From Mr Esmail Parkar
UAE
Facebook comment
Inappropriate devices
Thankfully, if you live in the UAE, I don’t think a product like this would be legal for public use. It’s inappropriate and illegal to film someone without their permission and for good reason! I agree that the technology is very interesting, but there’s a lot of room for illegal activity.
From Ms Joelle Lao
UAE
Facebook comment
A difficult task
Saudi Arabia is a place where Western tourists need to be open minded to visit and respect the country’s laws (‘5 places to visit in Saudi Arabia’, Gulf News, April 28). The cultural differences make tourism difficult. There aren’t beaches for family use, you can’t do all the things you can do in the West. It’s possible to open their tourism industry, but I think they should focus on religious tourism.
From Mr Michael Abbott
UAE
Facebook comment
Religious tourism
I deeply praise Saudis for their work, but in this case you are correct Mr Michael Abbott. They should stick to religious tourism.
From Mr Shoaib Shafiuddin Khan
Mumbai, India
Facebook comment
The history
The comments in the article about Tabuk castle in Ashab Al-Ayka, Saudi Arabia are interesting. It wasn’t even open when we went, but the history lesson could be worth it.
From Mr Richard Slater
UAE
Facebook comment
Earth is our home
Earth Day is a great tool to explore effective way of showing climate change and conserving the Earth’s natural resources for future generations. It inspires awareness and appreciation for protecting health and the environment.
I don’t think there should be an Earth Day because it means that just one day we have to be kind to the planet. I think Earth Day should be every day and not just once a year. The Earth is our beautiful home. Each and every human on this planet has a part to play for our Earth.
From Ms Ria Bali
Dubai
Editor’s note: Is there a news report that you feel strongly about? Something that has to be addressed in the community and requires resolution? Email us on readers@gulfnews.com. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet to us @GNReaders.
