BY JOJIE TIONGCO
HOW DO YOU know when a work relationship has turned toxic? For VP Sara Duterte, it’s not just about the usual suspects like passive-aggressive emails, exclusion from meetings, or being the subject of gossip in your organization’s unofficial network.
In her case, it’s when you start fantasizing about cutting off a co-worker’s head. And if that’s not toxic enough, add a threat to dig up your colleague’s dead father and throw his remains into the West Philippine Sea.
This troubling violent imagery was in full display last October 18 in a press conference held by the VP. Over the course of two hours, she not only mentioned her desire to cut off President Marcos Jr.’s head at least three times but also accompanied each mention with dramatic hand gestures: a wringing motion, a sawing motion, and then an air chop.
Watching the replay of the presscon felt jarring. It is so reminiscent of the infamous rhetoric of her father. However, unlike her father, her use of such combative, barbaric language clashed with her almost childlike appearance, voice, and demeanor. It was like watching Dora the Explorer emerge from the jungle sans bangs and possessed by some evil spirit. In fact, she even mentioned “kinukulam nila ako” to explain why she wasn’t feeling well during an event.
This brings to mind the Queen of Hearts from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”. Her favorite catchphrase, “Off with their heads!” accurately captures her unhinged, authoritarian leadership style – where minor offenses are met with extreme punishment.
Let’s break down some of the Queen of Hearts’ traits and how they might manifest in real-world leadership:
Punishing Disagreement. The Queen, like many authoritarian leaders, have little tolerance for opposition. In Wonderland, disagreeing with the Queen can provoke a call for decapitation. VP Duterte’s repeated threats of violence, though most likely hyperbole, serve a similar purpose. They create a climate of fear where opposition is discouraged, and engaging in public debate can be seen as a serious risk to life, limb, or head.
Unpredictability. The Queen’s outbursts are unpredictable, making her dangerous to both allies and rivals. Similarly, when a leader resorts to violent language or extreme measures, it destabilizes relationships, both professional and political. It sends a message that disagreement could lead to irrational consequences, sowing fear instead of fostering collaboration.
Abuse of Power. The Queen wields her authority without accountability, using her power to manipulate and control. In VP Duterte’s case, her public threats are a grim reminder of the dangers of unchecked power. While she may not be literally calling for beheadings, her words carry weight and signal the Duterte-brand of disregard for the responsibilities that come with leadership.
It’s important to note that the Queen’s threats of beheading are often exaggerated. They are mainly used to intimidate. She doesn’t actually carry out these threats in the book. However, her irrational and violent behavior creates a constant sense of fear and anxiety among the inhabitants of Wonderland. This unpredictability, in turn, makes them more likely to comply with what she wants.
The behaviors exhibited by the Queen of Hearts are, luckily, confined to her subjects in Wonderland. But when they happen in the real world, they have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond theatrical displays. They shape public perception and influence the governance practices of a republic.
As citizens, it is life-changing for us to reflect on the type of leadership we desire. Do we want leaders who promote trust and collaboration? Or do we foolishly keep electing those that thrive on sowing fear and division?
Filipinos should know by now that leadership rooted in fear breeds instability and resentment. It also creates an atmosphere where citizens are too distracted by the noisy political dramas to notice a lack of accountability on many fronts like corruption, economic mismanagement on a national scale, and blatant betrayals of the public trust.
While characters like the Queen of Hearts may captivate audiences in fiction, their real-world counterparts pose significant risks to society. Hopefully by now, Filipinos are starting to realize that we need leaders who emphasize safety, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. This is because these are the qualities required for a country to achieve sustainable progress and a healthy political environment.
If we can advocate for a leadership style that prioritizes constructive dialogue and fosters a brighter future for our nation, there is hope for the Philippines yet. If not, then perhaps it is not premature to mourn the death of the massive potential of a country I love./PN
