OUTSPOKEN lawyer and former Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner Atty. Rowena Guanzon drew a sharp, personal contrast between the security climate of Davao City and the “chaos” she claims has gripped Metro Manila.
Speaking to Davao reporters during a press conference at a local hotel on Saturday afternoon, March 28, Guanzon described a palpable sense of relief upon arriving in the southern metropolis.
Guanzon noted that the difference in public safety between the two urban hubs is now a matter of daily lifestyle.
“When I’m in Davao, I feel very relaxed because I know I won’t get pickpocketed or held up,” Guanzon said.
She further praised the city’s livability, noting that “the food is good and affordable,” making it an attractive destination for those fleeing the high-stress environment of the capital.
In contrast, the veteran lawyer said a culture of fear has begun to dictate business hours and personal safety in Manila.
“In Manila, it’s chaos. My favorite parlor closes at 4 p.m. because they’re afraid of being robbed. That’s how it is in Manila now,” she lamented.
Guanzon’s remarks come at a time of heightened political tension between the Davao-based Duterte camp and the Manila-centered administration.
While her comments focused on personal safety and the “affordable” lifestyle in Davao, they inadvertently underscored the long-standing “Davao model” of peace and order that has been a cornerstone of the city’s national identity.
As of press time, Metro Manila police authorities have yet to comment on the specific claims regarding early business closures due to robbery fears.
