People were played into associating the "tatay" archetype with Duts. In a typical Filipino family, the father is feared and obeyed, no questions asked. His comm team manipulated people into making them follow him blindly because of this association.

They reinforced this image not just in his speeches, but also the messages dropped by his posse. Consciously or subconsciously, people, particularly his supporters, were led into believing this message.

Ano ang traits/values associated sa tatay sa Pilipinas? He decides what's best for his family, he is infallible, he has the final say in every decision, he is the head of the household. Nasa collective unconscious iyan ng Pinoy, so that message transfers those meanings to him.

I've been reflecting about possible explanations about the cult-like behavior of his followers, and that's what came to mind. They weren't led to believe something new. They were led to associate an image that is ingrained in them to him. Boom. Transference.