People must have the courage to speak out and tell their families, friends, associates, the community and the nation about their real sentiments on President Duterte’s flawed priorities and erratic rhetoric.

The freedom of expression must not be cowed by fear of rebuke, condemnation, reprisal or vengeance.

The government must respect the inalienable right of the governed to criticize those they had installed in power.

Democracy pulsates in the arena of free speech, not in the unanimity among subalterns.

EDCEL C. LAGMAN