One of the staunchest critics of the President and the drug war in the Supreme Court was removed. In a ruling reminiscent of the rubber stamp Court under Martial Law, the majority of its members surrendered the Court's independence. It disturbed rule of law when it decapitated itself in a manner that even the least serious law student would call incorrect.



True to its authoritarian tendencies, the administration continually sets the terrible vision of its piercing Eye of Sauron on new enemies. Stoking the ire of its multitudes of fanatics translates into support. After demonizing political adversaries in public speeches, the President has so far been able to jail or otherwise neutralize them.



The most vulnerable are the voiceless. The thousands of accused petty drug pushers and users, the Lumad whose schools are being burned or shuttered after being associated with communists, and the tambay being picked off the streets on charges based on pronouncements of the President owing credence to long repealed laws against vagrancy.



But even for all the fanaticism that Duterte had enabled, this writer has faith. Ruther Flores is a UP Law student and former student regent of the Bicol University long known in her region as a staunch supporter of the President. He had an important role in the latter's campaign in Bicol.