Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the 16th President of the Philippines, was elected in 2016, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. Known for his unorthodox style, blunt language, and controversial policies, Duterte became one of the most divisive yet popular figures in Philippine politics. His presidency was characterized by bold reforms, a tough stance on crime, and an unpredictable foreign policy that left a lasting impact on both the country and the international community.
Duterte’s rise to the presidency was largely due to his image as a straight-talking outsider who was not afraid to challenge the political elite. His brand of governance, however, sparked intense debate over human rights, the rule of law, and the future of Philippine democracy. Despite his controversial approach, his popularity remained high, particularly among those who supported his tough stance on crime and corruption.
Early Life and Education
Rodrigo Duterte was born on March 28, 1945, in Maasin, Leyte, to Vicente Duterte and Soledad Roa Duterte. His father was a former governor of Davao, and his mother was a school teacher. Growing up in a politically active family, Duterte was exposed to the dynamics of Philippine politics early on, though his path to power was not immediate.
Duterte attended San Beda College in Manila, where he earned a law degree in 1972. Upon passing the bar exam, he returned to Davao City and began his career in law. His early years were marked by his work as a prosecutor, which gave him a firsthand look at the challenges facing law enforcement in the Philippines. This experience would later influence his tough approach to crime and justice during his presidency.
Career as Mayor: The Rise of “The Punisher”
Duterte’s political career began in 1988 when he was first elected as Mayor of Davao City, a position he held for over 22 years, either continuously or with brief interruptions. During his tenure as mayor, Duterte earned a reputation for being a tough, no-nonsense leader who prioritized security and development.
Under Duterte’s leadership, Davao City was transformed from a crime-ridden and violent area into one of the safest and most developed cities in the Philippines. His administration implemented a zero-tolerance policy for crime, leading to significant reductions in criminal activities. Duterte’s controversial approach involved a strong police presence, the establishment of anti-crime task forces, and the empowerment of local vigilante groups. His approach was often referred to as “Davao Death Squads”, and critics have accused him of overseeing extrajudicial killings, although he consistently denied these claims.
Despite the controversy surrounding his methods, Duterte’s track record in Davao City became a cornerstone of his political persona. The city, known for its cleanliness, order, and safety, became a model of governance for Duterte and helped him gain national recognition.
The 2016 Presidential Election: An Unlikely Candidate
By 2016, Duterte had become one of the most prominent local leaders in the Philippines, but his political ambitions had not yet extended to the presidency. However, his candidacy in the 2016 presidential election came as a surprise to many. Despite his outsider status and controversial reputation, Duterte’s appeal was undeniable, especially among Filipinos frustrated with the status quo.
Duterte ran as a candidate of the PDP-Laban Party, advocating for a strong anti-crime campaign, decentralization of power, and a shift in foreign policy that would prioritize the Philippines’ relationship with China over traditional alliances, particularly with the United States. His campaign slogan, “Change is Coming,” resonated with voters who were disillusioned with the political elite and the perceived inefficiency of traditional politicians.
Duterte’s blunt rhetoric and unfiltered remarks set him apart from his rivals. His statements, often controversial and incendiary, earned him both fierce support and criticism. His promise to wage an all-out war against drugs, eradicate corruption, and restore law and order appealed to many Filipinos, particularly those in rural areas and urban centers struggling with crime.
Duterte won the election with 38% of the vote, a clear victory in a crowded field. His victory marked a dramatic shift in the country’s political landscape, as Filipinos overwhelmingly turned to an outsider with a reputation for tough leadership rather than a member of the political establishment.
Presidency: A Controversial and Transformative Leadership
Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency began on June 30, 2016, and his first few years in office were marked by a series of bold and controversial actions that set the tone for his administration. His leadership style was characterized by bluntness, decisiveness, and a willingness to defy both domestic and international norms.
1. War on Drugs
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of Duterte’s presidency was his war on drugs. Duterte framed his administration’s war as a fight against the drug cartels and criminal syndicates that were plaguing Philippine society. He publicly vowed to rid the country of illegal drugs, often threatening to kill those involved in the drug trade.
The war on drugs quickly became the defining issue of Duterte’s presidency. While his supporters praised him for taking a firm stance on crime, human rights groups, the United Nations, and international governments condemned the campaign for its extrajudicial killings and violations of human rights. Thousands of deaths were reported, and many were attributed to police operations, while others were linked to vigilante groups operating with impunity.
Despite these criticisms, Duterte remained steadfast, arguing that his methods were necessary to protect the Filipino people from the scourge of drugs. His administration also passed laws to increase penalties for drug-related offenses and set up rehabilitation programs for drug users. However, the war on drugs remains one of the most contentious and divisive issues of his presidency.
2. Foreign Policy Shifts
Duterte’s foreign policy also marked a significant departure from his predecessors. He pursued a more independent and less confrontational approach to foreign relations, particularly with China. Duterte famously pivoted away from the Philippines’ historical reliance on the United States and sought closer ties with China, despite ongoing tensions over the South China Sea.
In 2016, Duterte declared that he would no longer take part in joint military exercises with the U.S. and expressed a desire to foster stronger economic and diplomatic ties with China. This shift was controversial, especially in light of the Philippines’ 2016 victory at the Permanent Court of Arbitration over China’s claims in the South China Sea. Duterte’s willingness to set aside this victory and pursue closer relations with China angered critics who believed he was compromising the country’s sovereignty.
3. Infrastructure Development
On the domestic front, Duterte launched the “Build, Build, Build” program, an ambitious infrastructure initiative designed to improve the Philippines’ transportation and communication networks. The program focused on building new roads, airports, railways, and other essential infrastructure projects, aiming to stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty in rural areas.
Though his infrastructure program made significant progress, critics have questioned its effectiveness, citing delays and cost overruns on several high-profile projects.
Controversies and Challenges
Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency was not without its fair share of challenges. His abrasive style and controversial remarks often sparked international backlash, particularly from Western nations. He frequently clashed with leaders and institutions that criticized his human rights record, including the European Union, the United States, and the United Nations.
Domestically, Duterte’s administration faced several legal and political challenges. His aggressive stance on press freedom and his attacks on journalists, especially those critical of his policies, raised concerns about democratic freedoms in the Philippines. The case of Maria Ressa, the founder of Rappler, a news website that has been outspoken in its criticism of Duterte, became a symbol of the broader issue of media repression.
Legacy and Conclusion
As Duterte’s presidency came to a close in 2022, his legacy remains a subject of intense debate. Supporters credit him with reducing crime, improving infrastructure, and pursuing an independent foreign policy that broke away from traditional alliances. His leadership, they argue, restored law and order to the country, and he gave a voice to the poor and marginalized who felt neglected by the political establishment.
On the other hand, critics view his presidency as a period of human rights violations, authoritarian tendencies, and democratic erosion. The war on drugs, in particular, cast a long shadow over his time in office, leading many to question the balance between security and human rights.
Regardless of one’s perspective, Duterte’s presidency undoubtedly marked a transformative and tumultuous period in Philippine history. His unorthodox style, bold policies, and divisive leadership ensured that his time in office will be remembered as one of the most controversial—and consequential—in the country’s modern political history.
