Duterte: The Art of Sarcasm, Jokes, and Reverse Psychology in Power
By Rolando E Santiago
Rodrigo Roa Duterte was never the conventional statesman. Long before he took his oath as the 16th president of the Republic, he was already famous in Davao for his street-corner language, gallows humor, and provocative public statements. When he finally stepped onto the national stage, it became immediately clear — this would not be a presidency of polished soundbites and rehearsed speeches.
But to understand Duterte is to recognize the layers behind his words: sarcasm, satire, reverse psychology, and sometimes, plain political theater. Critics who took every word literally often missed the subtext. Supporters, on the other hand, knew exactly what he was doing — and why.
When Sarcasm Cuts Deeper Than Insults
Duterte’s sarcasm was his weapon of choice. When criticized by the United States over human rights concerns, Duterte bit back:
“America, you are so concerned about the lives of criminals. You killed so many of my countrymen before. Thank you for your kind consideration.”
It wasn’t gratitude — it was a masterclass in irony. By invoking America’s colonial atrocities while mocking its modern-day moralizing, Duterte turned the tables and played the nationalist card. In one statement, he silenced critics and reminded Filipinos of their historical wounds.
Crass Jokes as a Populist Language
Many were scandalized by Duterte’s crude jokes about women, rape, and death. Who could forget his infamous line:
“If you know of any addicts in your family, kill them yourselves so it won’t be on me.”
Or his wisecrack about Miss Universe contestants parading naked.
To the middle-class, urban Manila circles, these were unspeakable. To Duterte’s provincial, working-class base, however, this was relatable humor — raw, offensive, but familiar. In communities where men still swap dark jokes over gin bottles and election campaigns are run like cockfights, Duterte’s humor was a language of the people.
Reverse Psychology and The Strongman Persona
Duterte frequently deployed reverse psychology. He threatened to cut ties with the U.S. military, insulted foreign leaders, and claimed he would resign or go to hell for his actions.
On Extra-Judicial Killings (EJK), he would say:
“If you resist and fight my police, you will be killed.”
Yet legal operations were continuously reported as ‘legitimate engagements’. The tough talk was meant to deter crime through fear, while giving his police the confidence to act decisively. Whether one approves or condemns this approach, it was undeniably effective in shaping public behavior and political narratives.
The ‘God’ Statements: Irreverence or Strategy?
Perhaps nothing drew more fire than Duterte’s remarks on God and religion. In 2018, he stunned the nation when he asked:
“Who is this stupid God? This son of a b**h is really stupid.”*
Religious leaders denounced him. But to his supporters, it wasn’t an attack on faith but a jab at the hypocrisy of religious institutions and corrupt clergy.
Duterte often clarified:
“I believe in God, but not your stupid religion.”
It was his way of claiming spiritual independence while exposing moral failings within the establishment Church — an institution many Filipinos both revere and resent.
Going to Hell, and Taking the Politicians Along
Duterte was perhaps the only head of state who publicly declared:
“I might go to hell. No problem. If I go to hell, I will have many company. Most of them are politicians.”
This wasn’t theological confession — it was Duterte painting himself as the anti-hero. A man unafraid to dirty his hands, because the alternative, in his view, was cowardly, ineffectual governance.
This resonated with voters exhausted by decades of leaders who spoke like saints but ruled like devils.
Why It Worked
Duterte’s language confused the international press, scandalized polite society, and infuriated his critics. Yet it solidified his position as a man of action, unafraid to offend the powerful and willing to die for his cause.
His streetwise, unsanitized manner spoke to the frustrations of a nation tired of double-talking elites. He promised swift justice, decisive leadership, and protection from crime — and his words, however crude, mirrored the raw anxieties of millions.
The Danger and the Genius
There’s a danger to this kind of rhetoric. Words have consequences. The shock-and-awe strategy alienated allies, emboldened rogue law enforcers, and blurred the lines between law and vigilantism.
But there was also genius. Duterte knew exactly when to bluff, when to provoke, and when to strike. He understood that, in a society craving strong leadership, shock value could translate to unwavering loyalty.
He once said:
“Do not take me literally. I am not a statesman. I am a mayor.”
That was perhaps the truest thing he ever said.
In the End
Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency was a masterclass in political performance art. Sarcasm, humor, reverse psychology, and religious irreverence — all rolled into one brutal, unforgettable six-year term.
He may have cursed God, threatened criminals, joked about rape, and laughed at the devil. But for his followers, Duterte was never pretending to be a saint.
He was their devil — fighting on their side.
Rolando E Santiago
Political columnist, social observer, and student of Philippine populism
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