Philippines election: Exit polls put controversial mayor Rodrigo Duterte way ahead

ABC News ^ | 05/08/2016 | South-East Asia correspondent Adam Harvey in Manila,

[SeekAndFind]

Exit polling of overseas Filipino voters are suggesting hardline mayor Rodrigo Duterte will be elected the country's president in today's vote. Key points:

Duterte has between 52 and 85 per cent of vote in overseas exit polls Davao mayor promises voters "comfortable life" under his rule Critics voice concerns over Duterte's past Result could be known as early as Monday night, officials say

The polls show Mr Duterte way in front of his nearest rivals, the moderate candidates Grace Poe and Manuel "Mar" Roxas.

He has between 52 to 85 per cent of the vote in 15 countries where exit polling was conducted.

These figures will not be repeated in the Philippines itself, where the most recent surveys give him an 11-point lead — but they are an indication of the popularity of the Davao City mayor's anti-crime and anti-corruption platform.

He has captivated voters desperate for someone who can improve life in a country where crushing poverty and high crime is pervasive despite the economy being one of the fastest growing in the world.

In his final election rally Mr Duterte told supporters that they could look forward to "a comfortable life under me. Comfortable. Because there will not be too much crime. And the drugs — I will suppress it to the barest minimum".

He said he would make sure there was no corruption.

"Just give me time — I do not want to blurt out things I cannot do, but just watch me," he said.

These kind of sweeping, unattainable promises have been a feature of his campaigning.

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More here:

Philippines' 'Duterte Harry': the would-be president accused of using vigilante squads

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From the Guardian:

EXCERPT:

Likened to Dirty Harry, a ruthless police inspector played by Clint Eastwood, “Duterte Harry” has drawn scorn from rights groups who accuse him of allowing vigilantes to kill hundreds of suspected criminals.

Also known as “the Punisher”, the 71-year-old who cruises his home town on a motorbike has run a presidential campaign promising to wipe out criminality within six months. The Philippines should build funeral parlours, not prisons, to cope with drug pushers in his time in office, he says.

And, despite incredulity from the political establishment, polls show Duterte is likely to win Monday’s election with a 10-point lead over his rivals. Recent surveys give him 33% in a system where candidates do not need a majority to win – Benigno Aquino won in 2010 with 42%.

[Mark17]

I am in Davao City right now. Duterte is VERY popular here.

[Bogey78O]

We talking chaotic good? Break the laws that coddle reprobates or is he selling an image to loot the store?

[WVKayaker]

My biggest concern is that if he is elected, he will give greater rights to the Muzzies. He has talked up the fact that he is part Moro, which is Muzzies. He also has a lot of links to the NPA which is a nationalist group that doesn't want America to be involved with the Philippines.

But, on the other hand, he has been friendly towards foreigner as he realizes the money they add to the economy. He is a realist in addition to being hard on crime. I personally know one policeman attached to the Davao Death Squad (DDS). Duterte doesn't hide the fact that there are targets for elimination, and he used extra-judicial forces to remove them from the community. As he said in one speech, "drug dealers will leave Davao! They will leave either vertical or horizontal, but they will leave"!

Duterte rally in Davao City last saturday...

[Tai_Chung]

He must be conservative because he is “controversial”

When was the last time a liberal was described as “controversial”?

[SeekAndFind]

RE: He must be conservative because he is “controversial”

Well, he’s a Federalist. He wants power DEVOLVED from Manila to each and every single Province.

[SeekAndFind]

Is it true that Davao is one of the safest cities in Asia?

How did he do it seeing how close Davao is to the Muslim provinces?

[SeekAndFind]

Is it true that Davao is one of the safest cities in Asia?

How did he do it seeing how close Davao is to the Muslim provinces?

[HiTech RedNeck]

According to Wikipedia the DDS are anti-drug vigilantes, so who is Duterte boosting? Them, or more orthodox government involvement?

[WVKayaker]

How did he do it seeing how close Davao is to the Muslim provinces?

You are probably closer to large Muzzie population that we are here. Davao is rated as one of the safest cities in the world. I walk on the streets any time of day or night.

We went to the largest market in the city at 3am and walked around during a power outage. There were candles and battery lights to illuminate the goods and foods, and people continued to shop. I have never felt unsafe wherever I go.

We went to the north of the island with a group of foreigners from US, Germany, and Switzerland. We stayed in small "resort" motels-like places and mingled with the locals like we re part of them. WE are!

Life is good here with exchange rates offering 47 pesos for every US dollar currently. I pay 5000PhP per month for house rent on a 2-bedroom, and with all my bills, stay under $700 a month. We eat well, live well, and watch the sunsets!

Muslims are a problem everywhere in the world, not just in Mindanao...

[Mark17]

Haidi went to that rally. She pretty much had to walk home from diversion road. Too many people trying to get home, not enough transportation available. We got caught in traffic in the afternoon, trying to get to NCCC, from all the people trying to get to the rally.

[bushpilot2]

A Canadian was recently beheaded, wasn’t he kidnapped near Davao?

[Jonty30]

From what I understand, Filipinos are getting tired of the the Islamic insurgency problem. Duterte had dealt with it when he was mayor and they are hoping he will take care of it when he is President.

[ASA Vet]

I have friends in Davao, Cebu, and Roxas. They are all voting for Duterte

[ASA Vet]

PI_ng

[Jonty30]

I know people in Gitagum, about 35 km west of Cagayan de Oro, and they all voted for Duterte as well.

[Mark17]

Is it true that Davao is one of the safest cities in Asia?

Yes it is. I was in Fairfield, CA recently. I thought I saw more Muzzies in California, than here. We do see them around here, but they don't seem to bother anyone.
My sister in law is a Muzzie, but she is one of the nicest people you could ever meet. I think she is pretty much a MINO.

[knarf]

Thank YOU !

We JUST got home from church and I was anxious to check on the election ... and there it was ... JUST as I had hoped !