Ad Hominem: E Di Ikaw Na

Word: Ad Hominem

DEFINITION: is a logical fallacy where an argument attacks a person's character or attributes instead of addressing the argument itself.

The person attacks an opponent's character, appearance or motives rather than answering the points of the dispute or claim.

EXAMPLE: 

Salesman: This car gets better than average gas mileage and is one of the most reliable cars, according to Consumer Reports.

Will: I doubt it—you obviously just want to sell me that car.

ESSAY:

In the hallowed halls of political science, students are taught that a logical argument should be built on facts, data, and sound reasoning. 

In the comment sections of Philippine social media, however, those things are considered optional—much like a helmet on a tricycle or a "No U-Turn" sign in Manila.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the rhetorical world of the DDS (Diehard Duterte Supporters) during the reign of PRRD (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte). 

For the DDS, the Ad Hominem fallacy—attacking the person rather than the argument—wasn't just a logical slip; it was a professional sport, a lifestyle, and a spiritual calling.

The Philosophy: Why Argue When You Can Insult?

The core tenet of the DDS defense strategy was simple: If you can't disprove the corruption allegation, just mention that the critic has a very punchable face or a questionable haircut. 

Why bother with the intricacies of the national budget when you can simply ask the critic, "Amoy sibuyas ka ba?" (Do you smell like onions?)

The relationship between the DDS and PRRD was a symbiotic masterpiece. PRRD provided the "Tatay" energy and the unfiltered late-night talk show vibes, and the DDS provided the digital infantry that ensured no "Dilawan" (Yellow) or "Kakampink" could finish a sentence without being told they look like a disgruntled ampalaya.

Classic DDS Ad Hominem Categories

To truly appreciate the humor, one must look at the specific "flavors" of personal attacks used to shield the administration:

1. The "Mental Health" Maneuver

When a critic pointed out a policy inconsistency, the standard response was rarely about the policy.

• Critic: "The data shows a decline in FDI due to volatile rhetoric."

• DDS Response: "Pacheck-up ka na sa Mental Hospital, teh. Masyado kang stress. Mukha ka nang stress drilon."

2. The "Physical Appearance" Pivot

This is the "Gold Standard" of logical fallacies. If a senator questioned the drug war, the DDS would spend three days discussing the senator's forehead size or the specific shade of lipstick they used.

• Example: "Ang dami mong sinasabi, eh ang laki naman ng butas ng ilong mo. Humihinga ka ba o humihigop ng bagyo?"

3. The "Eh Di Ikaw Na" (The Ultimate Shut-Stopper)

This is the ultimate evolution of the Ad Hominem. It implies that being smart or having a valid point is actually a character flaw.

• Critic: "Actually, according to the Constitution, Article 7, Section 18—"

• DDS: "Eh di ikaw na! Ikaw na matalino! Ikaw na ang Constitution! Ikaw na ang anak ni Justice Carpio! Pagod na kami sa talino mo, gusto namin yung tunay!"

The "Tatay" Complex

The relation between the DDS and PRRD was built on the "Father Figure" defense. In this world, PRRD was the "Tatay" who could do no wrong, and anyone criticizing him was the "spoiled brat" neighbor.

If PRRD made a controversial joke, the DDS wouldn't defend the joke; they would attack the critic’s sense of humor.

• Response: "Ang arte-arte mo. Kaya ka walang boyfriend kasi masyado kang seryoso. Joke lang yun ni Tatay, hindi mo lang gets kasi 'low IQ' ka."

Conclusion

In the end, the DDS era taught us that logic is a fragile thing, easily shattered by a well-timed "Nganga!" or a meme of a crying emoji. 

While the Ad Hominem might be a "fallacy" in a textbook, in the streets of the Philippine internet, it was a weapon of mass distraction and mass destruction.

After all, why debate the South China Sea when you can just tell your opponent that their profile picture looks like a thumb with a wig? 

It’s faster, it’s funnier, and in the world of DDS politics, it counts as a win.