Attacks on Duterte could work to his advantage: Analyst

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.
The rash of attacks targeted on presidential frontrunner Mayor Rodrigo Duterte by his rivals can work to his advantage as the campaign nears the final grind.
This was the analysis of Ateneo de Davao University political science professor Ramon Beleno III.
Beleno told EDGE Davao yesterday, the accusations thrown by Vice President Jejomar Binay, former Interior and Local Government secretary Mar Roxas and Sen. Grace Poe on the campaign pitch of Mayor Duterte to suppress crime in three to six months, will be a big help to the candidacy of the mayor.
“It’s a double advantage actually because it helps a lot especially if he can address or answer the issues properly and people will understand and appreciate more on his stand,” he said.
Beleno said the allegations against Duterte can be considered as “great publicity without even shelling out money.
He, however, said if Duterte “can’t play his cards right, this might be disastrous because it might prove that his detractors were right.”
Beleno suggested that the mayor should refrain from answering cheap shots against his opponents and also be careful with his words.
“A mistake committed similar that of Manny Pacquiao would be devastating,” he said.
He said Duterte should just address the issue if necessary.
“Look what happened to Binay, he cannot answer the corruption issues against him that is why his rating is not increasing. Similar with Roxas, as administration candidate, he must address all the criticisms thrown to the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III. What happened in Kidapawan (City, North Cotabato) was a blow to their campaign and yet they are not addressing it,” he said.
Beleno said Duterte should just continue his advocacy on Federalism and the fight against anti- illegal drugs, anti-crime and anti-corruption.
Duterte must now “concentrate on his weak spots and use surveys to strategize his campaign because it’s still early to celebrate. His team must use the momentum to increase their lead,” he said.
Duterte’s national campaign manager Leoncio Evasco said earlier, their camp expects more black propaganda and personal attacks after the mayor topped the two surveys released this week.
Evasco said the vilification campaign against Duterte will reach new heights now that he has taken the lead in voter preference.
Duterte topped the two recent surveys of Pulse Asia and the Social Weather Stations (SWS). The Pulse Asia survey is commissioned by ABS-CBN.
Mayor Duterte rose to 30 percent in the Pulse Asia Survey and topped the SWS survey with 27 percent.