Anna Szilágyi and Mark R Thompson, “Digong and the Donald: The indiscreet charm of informality in politics,” Rappler (Nov. 30), http://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/154066- digong-donald-trump-informality-language THOUGHT LEADERS Duterte and Trump show that they are different from most other politicians. Their “backstage rhetoric” allows them to present themselves as political figures who side with the people and not with other politicians. http://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/154066-digong-donald-trump-informality-language Digong and the Donald: The indiscreet charm of informality in politics Duterte and Trump show that they are different from most other politicians. Their “backstage rhetoric” allows them to present themselves as political figures who side with the people and not with other politicians. Anna Szilágyi and Mark R. Thompson Published 3:00 PM, November 30, 2016 Updated 3:00 PM, November 30, 2016 Due to the obvious differences in terms of context, power, and global significance, it is difficult to compare the current President of the Philippines, Rodrigo R. Duterte, and the US President- elect Donald J. Trump (known to their supporters as “Digong” or “Rody” and “the Donald”, respectively). Also, Duterte has been in power since late June 2016, while Trump will be inaugurated only early next year. Yet, there is a compelling reason to discuss the two politicians together. Both Duterte and Trump have caused outrage, both locally and globally, with their offensive and vulgar communication styles.