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any local government officials in the Philippines are arrogant, tyrannical and for the most part feel they are above the law. Public service in the Philippine context is a convoluted mix that includes: a sense of entitlement; a pretense at humility; and a well-entrenched belief that public officials have all the right to lord it over their constituents.

A case in point is the violent outburst of Davao Mayor Sara Duterte who was caught on video repeatedly punching the local sheriff who was simply doing his job. An individual of such explosive temperament has no business in public office and instead should be required to undergo long-term anger management therapy. Sadly, Sara Duterte's actions disgraced not just herself but all Filipino public officials in the eyes of the world.

From the Crisologos in the north, to the Ampatuans in the south, local officials run their jurisdictions like virtual fiefdoms. And their sons and daughters learn from the start to act with even more impunity as was the case then with Vincent Bingbong Crisologo who led a band of armed goons that burned down the towns of Ora Este and Ora Centro in 1970, to Andal Ampatuan Jr. who is currently being tried for the 2010 Maguindanao massacre that took 57 lives.

With the rise of the internet, YouTube and cell phones that can take pictures and videos, local officials might no longer be able to act in public with the brashness and impunity as they once did. But this might just make them more guarded and hide their nefarious deeds well away from any public scrutiny.

They only way to eradicate this problem is to come down hard on local officials who overstep their bounds. Gloria Arroyo did nothing during her term as president to reign in these local politicians/warlords and the Maguindanao massacre is the end-result of that neglect.

If President Benigno Aquino III is to succeed where all others before him have failed, he must come down hard on all Local officials who abuse their power and overstep their authority. And for democracy to truly take hold in the Philippines, the Filipino people must understand that public servants are there to serve them and not the other way around.

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