In Text 5, the most important sign for me is found on the left side of the text.

The following mini-

analysis looks into the meaning of this sign by using the principles advanced by Saussure, Barthes, and
Peirce in the field of Semiotics.

Using the terms used by Saussure, I can say that the signifier of this sign is the image of a dog
having a collar with leash on its neck. The signified of the signifier “dog having a collar with leash on its
neck” has two layers in terms of denotation and connotation, two terms used by Barthes.

Its denotation or literal meaning may accurately be given by using this dictionary definition: a
highly variable domestic mammal (Canis familiaris) closely related to the gray wolf (Merriam-Webster,
2021). On the other hand, it connotes the weapon, control and power of the person holding its leash
named Duterte, the current president of the country Philippines.

Lastly, by using the three types of the sign as advanced by Peirce, I can say that this sign is a
“symbol” because it symbolizes as a weapon (war on drugs) having great power and control which is
given by the man holding its leash. Even though there is no physical connection or natural resemblance
between the English word “dog” and its concept, people who sees this text image will surely notice what
the dog is trying to symbolize.