How Strongmen Like Duterte & Marcos Jr. Use — Then Abuse — Democracy (And What We Can Learn)

By: Timons Cabansi | TimonsCabansi.com

“Democracy is Just a Stepping Stone”—How Strongmen Play the System

Ah, democracy. That beautiful idea where people choose their leaders. Pero sa totoo lang?  Some leaders treat elections like a “buy one, take one” deal—they get voted in, then make sure they never really leave.

We’ve seen it globally—Putin, Erdogan, Orbán—but hey, let’s talk  setting. From Duterte’s “War on Drugs” to Marcos Jr.’s historical revisionism, the playbook is the same:

1. Win votes with charisma (or fear).
2. Weaken checks and balances.
3. Rewire the system so they (or their cronies) stay in power.

Grabe, ‘di ba? So how do they do it? And more importantly—how do we stop it?

☕ Sip your kape, this’ll be a long one.

The Strongman Playbook: How They Hack Democracy

1. “Ako Ang Sagot!” – The Savior Complex

Strongmen don’t just campaign—they declare themselves the only solution.

• Duterte: “I’ll kill all drug addicts in 6 months!” (Spoiler: He didn’t.)
• Marcos Jr.: “Unity! Forget the past!” (Convenient when your family allegedly looted billions.)

Why it works: Filipinos love a bold, decisive leader—especially when frustrated with corruption. The problem is, strongmen create bigger messes than they fix.

Lesson: Real leaders solve problems, not just perform theatrics.

2. “The Media is Fake News!” – Controlling the Narrative

A free press is democracy’s immune system. So what do strongmen do? Sabotage it.

• Duterte: Called Rappler “fake news,” revoked ABS-CBN’s franchise.
• Marcos Jr.: Floods social media with historical whitewashing.

Why it works: If you control the story, you control reality. Nakakatakot, pero totoo.

Lesson: Support independent journalism. If a leader hates critics, that’s a red flag.

3. “The Courts Are Too” Slow!”—Undermining Institutions

Strongmen love “emergency powers” and “special authority.”

• Duterte: Declared martial law in Mindanao (extended multiple times).
• Marcos Sr.: Actual martial law—need we say more?

Why it works: People tolerate shortcuts if they’re desperate for order. But democracy dies in “temporary” emergencies.

Lesson: No leader should be above the law.  Period.

4. “Loyalty Over Competence” – Cronyism on Steroids

Strongmen don’t hire experts—they hire yes-men.

• Duterte: Appointed military men to civilian roles.
• Marcos Jr.: Brings back old Marcos-era officials.

Why it works: Loyalty > skill means no one challenges the boss.

Lesson: Good governance needs competence, not just blind loyalty.

How to Fight Back: Lessons for Filipino Voters & Leaders

1. Fact-Check Like Your Democracy Depends on It (Because It Does)

Strongmen thrive on misinformation.

✅ Follow independent media.
✅ Question viral narratives.
✅ Don’t share without verifying.

2. Protect Institutions—Even When They’re Slow

Democracy is messy. Authoritarianism is “efficient”—until it isn’t.

✅ Defend the judiciary.
✅ Demand transparency.
✅ Reject “shortcuts” to power.

3. Vote for Competence, Not Just Charisma

A leader’s job isn’t to entertain—it’s to govern.

✅ Look at track records, not slogans.
✅ Reward leaders who deliver, not just promise.

4. Never Normalize Authoritarianism

Once strongmen erode norms, it’s hard to go back.

🚩 Red flags:

• Attacks on media
• Extending term limits
• Jailing opponents

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Always consult with a professional before making any decisions.

Follow TimonsCabansi.com for more insights on the Philippine real estate market!

Takeaway:

Democracy is a Daily Fight

Strongmen don’t destroy democracy overnight—they chip away at it.  The solution?  Stay informed, stay engaged, and never stop demanding accountability.

☕ Kape muna, then laban ulit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

1. Why do Filipinos keep electing strongmen?

Frustration with corruption + desire for quick fixes. Pero strongmen often make things worse.

2. Is Marcos Jr. a strongman like Duterte?

Different style, same playbook—consolidating power, rewriting history, sidelining critics.

3. Can democracy survive strongmen?

Yes—if citizens stay vigilant.

4. What’s the biggest warning sign of a strongman?

When they say, “Only I can fix this.” 🚩