On DDS Selective Amnesia and DDS Ironies

 

If you have spent any time scrolling through the Philippine digital space recently, you have likely witnessed a level of DDS' cognitive flexibility that puts Olympic gymnasts' brothers Carlos and Karl Eldrew Yulo to shame. 

Or shall we say ... their selective amnesia.

The absolute, breathtaking duality of the die-hard DDS is a work of pure theatrical art. 

The premier example, of course, is the current national conversation surrounding juvenile justice after two minors made that much dreaded school carnage in Tacloban.

To a DDS ... if a fourteen-year-old commits a horrific crime today, the comment sections erupt into a furious, foaming-at-the-mouth demand for absolute blood, retribution, and adult imprisonment. "Throw away the key! The law is too soft! No mercy for criminals!"

And yet, these are the exact same DDS accounts that spent years aggressively cheering for Extrajudicial Killings (EJKs) during the drug war—frequently dismissing actual children caught in the crossfire as "collateral damage" or "potential criminals."

The mental math required to maintain these two positions simultaneously is spectacular. But that is just the tip of the ironic iceberg. Let us look at the other world-class DDS ironies currently dominating the fandom.

1. The Sovereignty and West Philippine Sea

The mental gymnastics regarding who we are allowed to be angry at on the international stage deserves its own medal category.

[ THE GEOPOLITICAL FANDOM RATIO ] 

 * WHEN A WESTERN COUNTRY CRITICIZES THE PHILIPPINE HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD ... the DDS say: "How dare you interfere with our sovereign nation?! We are an independent country! Mind your own business, you imperialist colonizers!"

 * WHEN A FOREIGN POWER MILITARIZES THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA AND HARASSES FILIPINO FISHERMEN ... the same DDS say: "Well, actually, let us look at this pragmatically. Why provoke them? Maybe we can share the fish? Let's not be too aggressive, bestie."

2. The ICC Subpoena Paradox

The legal philosophy of the DDS fandom changes completely depending on whose name is printed on the official document.

When a Political Opponent is Accused	When the Davao Camp Faces an International Court
"Ang walang tinatago, walang dapat ikatakot! (If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear!) Face the law! Show up to the hearing!"	"The International Criminal Court has no jurisdiction over us! This is a kangaroo court! We will physically block the gates!"
"A subpoena is a sacred order of the state!"	"That paper is just a political weapon made by envious people."

3. On Respect and Discipline

The concept of respect for authority apparently has a very strict expiration date, depending on who is currently occupying the office.

In 2016, the national slogan was "Sumunod na lang kayo dahil ito ang gobyerno!" (Just obey because this is the government!). Anyone who questioned an executive order, protested a policy, or asked to see an audit of public funds was instantly labeled a subversive rebel who lacked basic discipline.

Fast forward to the current political landscape, the DDS, where their favorite officials are openly refusing to attend House budget hearings, tearing up subpoenas, and giving the absolute cold shoulder to state oversight committees. Suddenly, defying the government isn't a "lack of discipline"—it’s a “lowkey savage, standing-business vibe.” Disobeying authority is only a crime if you aren't part of the VIP lounge.

4. On Public Expenditures

Then there is the beautiful, heartwarming defense of public expenditure.

[ THE BUDGETARY AUDIT MATRIX ] 

- The Opponent's Budget: The DDS usually asked "Why do they need millions for a community program? Show us every single official receipt! Corruption!" 

- The Confidential Funds: The same DDS personalities complain: "Why are you asking so many questions about where the hundreds of millions went? It's confidential for a reason! Do you want the country to fall apart? Just trust the process!"

The Definitive Guide to DDS Logic: If a rule makes your political idol look bad, the rule is an outdated roadblock designed by the opposition.

If the same rule can be used to crush an opponent, it is a sacred pillar of justice that must be enforced with maximum brutality.

At the end of the day, you have to admire the DDS's sheer stamina, it takes to navigate life with this much structural irony. 

To be able to scream for the strict enforcement of the law in the morning, celebrate the total bypass of due process in the afternoon, and demand absolute respect for a sovereign constitution at night while defending a foreign maritime invasion—that isn't just politics. That is a full-time psychological commitment.

So, to the online mobs typing furiously to defend the latest contradiction: drink some water, stretch your calves, and keep your balance. 

The mental gymnastics season is far from over, and the bars are only getting higher.