Rodrigo Duterte, the 16th president of the Philippines, served from June 30, 2016, to June 30, 2022. Known for his brash, tough-talking style, and populist rhetoric, Duterte was a political figure like no other in recent Philippine history. His presidency marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape, both domestically and internationally. For some, Duterte was seen as a leader who took decisive action on issues like crime and corruption; for others, his leadership was characterized by human rights abuses, divisive rhetoric, and strained relations with Western powers.
As we analyze Duterte's legacy, it’s important to examine both his achievements and the controversies that followed him throughout his tenure. From his infamous war on drugs to his infrastructure projects, foreign policy moves, and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, Duterte leaves behind a complex legacy that will continue to shape the Philippines for years to come.
The War on Drugs: Tough, Controversial, and Divisive
Arguably the most defining aspect of Duterte’s presidency was his aggressive campaign against illegal drugs. His promise to eradicate drug-related crime within six months of taking office struck a chord with many voters who were frustrated by rising crime rates. The "war on drugs" began almost immediately after Duterte took office and quickly gained international attention for its brutal methods.
The campaign targeted drug dealers and users, and Duterte empowered the police to use lethal force when necessary. By the end of his presidency, estimates of the death toll varied widely. Official government figures reported around 6,000 deaths during drug-related operations, but human rights organizations estimate the number to be significantly higher, possibly as high as 30,000, including extrajudicial killings.
While Duterte maintained that his methods were necessary to rid the country of the scourge of drugs, the campaign drew widespread condemnation from human rights groups, the United Nations, and several Western countries. Accusations of abuse of power, unlawful killings, and the undermining of due process haunted Duterte throughout his presidency, with the International Criminal Court (ICC) even opening an investigation into his administration’s conduct in the war on drugs.
On the other hand, Duterte's supporters argue that the campaign significantly reduced crime and that his tough stance on drugs made communities safer. For many Filipinos, particularly those in poor urban areas where drug use and crime were rampant, Duterte’s efforts were seen as necessary, if harsh, measures to restore order.
Duterte’s War on Drugs: A Central Pillar of His Presidency
One of the most controversial aspects of Duterte's presidency was his relentless war on drugs. As early as his campaign days, Duterte pledged to eliminate the country’s drug problem, even vowing to kill tens of thousands of drug criminals. Upon assuming office, he wasted no time in launching a nationwide anti-drug campaign that would define his leadership.
The official numbers of fatalities as a result of police operations related to the war on drugs are around 6,000, although many human rights organizations estimate that number to be much higher, potentially exceeding 30,000 deaths. What makes this war even more controversial is the large number of killings allegedly carried out by vigilantes and extrajudicial means. The war disproportionately affected the poor, with drug dealers and users from lower-income neighborhoods being primary targets.
Duterte defended the campaign, framing it as a necessity to preserve law and order and protect future generations from the scourge of drugs. Supporters of Duterte often highlight a decrease in street-level drug dealing and a reduction in certain types of crime in areas where the campaign was concentrated.
However, the violent nature of the campaign drew widespread criticism. Human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch accused the Duterte administration of conducting mass extrajudicial executions, and in 2021, the International Criminal Court (ICC) launched a probe into alleged crimes against humanity committed during the drug war. Duterte responded by withdrawing the Philippines from the ICC, a move that itself was highly contentious and seen by critics as an attempt to avoid accountability.
Infrastructure Development: The Build, Build, Build Program
One of Duterte’s more tangible achievements was his ambitious infrastructure initiative, known as the "Build, Build, Build" program. This initiative sought to improve the country’s infrastructure by increasing government spending on roads, bridges, airports, railways, and seaports. It was one of the largest infrastructure programs in Philippine history, with the goal of modernizing the country's aging transportation networks, improving connectivity, and boosting the economy.
The program aimed to address the chronic infrastructure deficit that had long hindered the Philippines' economic growth. Duterte's administration successfully completed a number of significant projects, such as the Clark International Airport expansion, the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3, and various toll roads and expressways that eased traffic congestion in Metro Manila and other regions.
Although "Build, Build, Build" faced challenges, including delays, budget overruns, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it marked a major step forward in terms of infrastructure investment. For many, this program stands as one of Duterte’s key achievements, as it laid the groundwork for long-term economic growth and improved quality of life for Filipinos.
Foreign Policy: Pivot to China and Strained Ties with the West
Duterte’s foreign policy represented a dramatic departure from his predecessors, particularly in his handling of relations with China and the United States. Early in his presidency, Duterte shocked many by announcing a "pivot" to China, seeking to enhance economic ties and downplaying long-standing territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
This shift was controversial, given that China had been expanding its presence in the South China Sea, including building military installations on islands claimed by the Philippines. While Duterte chose a conciliatory approach, emphasizing economic cooperation and investments, his stance drew criticism from those who saw it as a capitulation of the Philippines' sovereignty and maritime rights.
Duterte's administration secured billions of dollars in pledges for infrastructure investments and loans from China, although not all of these pledges materialized. His supporters argued that improving relations with China was a pragmatic move, given China's growing economic power in the region. However, critics contended that Duterte's pivot weakened the Philippines’ position in asserting its territorial claims, especially in light of the 2016 international tribunal ruling that had favored the Philippines in its dispute with China.
Meanwhile, Duterte's relations with traditional allies like the United States and the European Union became strained, particularly over human rights concerns related to his war on drugs. Duterte frequently lashed out at Western leaders who criticized his administration's human rights record, at one point announcing a "separation" from the United States, although the two countries maintained their defense agreements.
Duterte's foreign policy stance ultimately reflected his desire to pursue an independent foreign policy, one that was less reliant on the United States and more aligned with regional powers like China and Russia. While this approach was unconventional, it marked a significant shift in the Philippines' diplomatic orientation and left the country navigating a complex geopolitical landscape.
Duterte’s foreign policy marked a significant departure from his predecessors, particularly in his relationship with the United States and China. Early in his presidency, Duterte announced a "separation" from the United States, historically one of the Philippines' closest allies. This was partly in response to U.S. criticism of his war on drugs and human rights record. Duterte's anti-American rhetoric was a stark contrast to the pro-U.S. stance taken by previous Filipino leaders.
In a move that surprised many, Duterte pivoted towards China, seeking to strengthen economic ties despite the territorial disputes in the South China Sea. While he downplayed the Philippines’ legal victory in the 2016 international tribunal ruling, which favored the Philippines in its territorial dispute with China, Duterte maintained that engaging with China economically was in the Philippines' best interests. His government secured billions in investment pledges from Beijing, although the actual materialization of these pledges has been mixed.
Duterte’s foreign policy was characterized by pragmatism and a desire to forge closer ties with non-Western powers, including Russia. His administration sought to diversify the Philippines' foreign relations and reduce its dependence on traditional Western allies. However, critics argue that Duterte’s conciliatory stance towards China weakened the country’s position in defending its territorial sovereignty.
COVID-19 Pandemic Response: A Major Challenge
Duterte's leadership was also tested by the COVID-19 pandemic, which hit the Philippines hard, both in terms of public health and economic impact. The Duterte administration implemented strict lockdowns, especially in the early months of the pandemic, aiming to curb the spread of the virus. While these measures initially helped slow the infection rate, they also led to severe economic downturns, with millions of Filipinos losing their jobs and businesses closing down.
The government faced criticism for its slow rollout of vaccines, particularly during the early stages of the global vaccination campaign. However, by the time Duterte left office, the country had ramped up its vaccination efforts, and the situation had improved. Still, the economic impact of the pandemic continued to weigh heavily on the country, with significant challenges remaining for Duterte's successor.
The COVID-19 pandemic tested Duterte’s leadership like never before. The Philippines was hit hard by the virus, and the government’s response was a mix of strict lockdowns, extended quarantines, and the establishment of checkpoints to control the spread of the virus.
Initially, the Duterte administration received praise for taking early action by imposing strict lockdowns in the capital, Manila, and other cities. However, as the pandemic dragged on, the response faced heavy criticism. The government’s failure to implement mass testing, slow vaccine rollout, and poor coordination in distributing aid to vulnerable populations led to widespread discontent.
The Philippines also struggled with ensuring that vaccines were procured and distributed efficiently. Vaccine hesitancy, logistical challenges, and issues of transparency within the government’s pandemic response apparatus delayed the immunization process.
Despite these difficulties, by the end of his term, the government had vaccinated a significant portion of the population, and restrictions were gradually eased. However, the economic and social scars of the pandemic remain, and critics argue that better governance could have mitigated the damage.
The Populist Leader: Charisma and Controversy
Duterte’s political style was deeply rooted in his identity as a populist leader. His strongman persona, coupled with his no-nonsense approach to governance, resonated with a large segment of the Philippine population, particularly those who were disillusioned with the perceived inefficacy and elitism of previous administrations. Duterte's ability to connect with ordinary Filipinos, speaking in their language and addressing their concerns about crime, corruption, and poverty, was a key factor in his electoral success.
However, his leadership style also fostered division. His frequent use of vulgar language, inflammatory remarks, and attacks on the media, political opponents, and civil society organizations often drew condemnation from both domestic and international observers. Duterte’s rhetoric often crossed lines, particularly regarding women’s rights, freedom of the press, and religious institutions. These controversies underscored the deep polarization that characterized his presidency.
Legacy: A Divided Assessment
As Duterte left office in 2022, his legacy remains deeply divisive. For his supporters, he is a leader who delivered on his promises to crack down on crime, improve infrastructure, and assert the Philippines' independence in foreign policy. His tough stance on drugs and crime, while controversial, was seen by many as necessary to restore law and order.
For his critics, Duterte's presidency will be remembered for its human rights abuses, the erosion of democratic institutions, and the potential long-term damage to the country's standing on the global stage. His war on drugs, in particular, left a dark stain on his legacy, with countless families grieving for loved ones lost in extrajudicial killings, and many seeking justice in the face of impunity.
Duterte's influence will likely continue to be felt in Philippine politics for years to come, as his populist style has reshaped the country's political discourse. Whether his policies and decisions will stand the test of time remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that Rodrigo Duterte will be remembered as one of the most polarizing and consequential figures in recent Philippine history. His legacy will be a subject of debate, as future generations evaluate both the achievements and the controversies of his presidency.
Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency from 2016 to 2022 was marked by a broad range of policies, achievements, controversies, and unprecedented decisions that reshaped the Philippines' political, social, and economic landscape. He rose to power on a platform promising tough action against crime, corruption, and drugs, and his tenure fulfilled this mandate in ways that both garnered him widespread support and provoked international outrage.
Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency leaves a deeply polarizing legacy. On the one hand, he was a leader who resonated with ordinary Filipinos, particularly those who had long felt neglected by the political elite. His populist rhetoric, hands-on approach, and focus on law and order struck a chord with many, and his aggressive policies on drugs and crime earned him a loyal following.
On the other hand, Duterte’s administration was marred by accusations of human rights violations, undermining democratic institutions, and fostering a culture of impunity. His war on drugs left a trail of death and suffering, particularly among the country’s poor. His pivot to China, while economically pragmatic, raised concerns about the Philippines' sovereignty in the South China Sea, and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed gaps in governance.
Ultimately, Duterte’s legacy is one of both achievement and controversy. He changed the course of Philippine politics, for better or worse, and his influence will likely be felt in the country’s political landscape for years to come. Whether he will be remembered as a transformative leader or as a populist who undermined democracy and human rights will depend on how future generations assess the long-term impact of his presidency.
Criminality and Law Enforcement: Iron-Fisted Governance
Duterte's administration prioritized law enforcement, and his tough stance on criminality wasn’t limited to the war on drugs. His presidency saw increased police and military visibility in tackling various forms of crime, from kidnapping to insurgencies. Duterte emphasized that his approach was necessary in a country where crime and corruption were endemic, reflecting his long-held belief that only harsh measures could bring about order.
During his time as president, Duterte also pushed for the reinstatement of the death penalty, particularly for drug-related offenses. Although the legislative attempt to bring back capital punishment ultimately stalled in the Philippine Senate, it showcased his hardline approach to law and order.
Duterte also implemented martial law in the southern region of Mindanao in response to the 2017 Marawi siege, where Islamist militants affiliated with ISIS took control of parts of the city. The five-month-long conflict ended with the defeat of the militants, but the martial law declaration, which lasted for two years, was a reminder of Duterte's willingness to use extreme measures when dealing with security threats. While some lauded this as a necessary response to terrorism, others feared that it reflected a dangerous slide toward authoritarian rule.
Economic Policies: A Mixed Record
Duterte inherited a growing economy, and during the early years of his presidency, the Philippines continued to experience robust growth, maintaining one of the highest growth rates in Southeast Asia. His economic agenda was largely focused on infrastructure development, spurred by his ambitious "Build, Build, Build" program, which sought to modernize the country’s transportation and public infrastructure.
The administration embarked on massive infrastructure spending, with projects like new railways, expressways, airports, and flood control systems. These investments were aimed at addressing the chronic infrastructure gaps that had long plagued the country, stifling economic growth and increasing inequality. Key projects included the Clark International Airport expansion, the Metro Manila Subway project, and the improvement of urban transit systems.
However, the "Build, Build, Build" initiative faced some hurdles. Critics pointed out delays, cost overruns, and the fact that some of the proposed projects were either shelved or severely delayed. The government also failed to meet some of its ambitious targets for completed projects by the end of Duterte’s term, and the program’s legacy is still in development as Duterte’s successor, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., continues some of the key projects.
On the macroeconomic front, Duterte’s administration oversaw a series of tax reforms, most notably the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, which lowered personal income taxes but raised excise taxes on goods such as fuel and sugary drinks. While the reforms were meant to generate revenue for infrastructure projects, they also sparked inflation, causing hardships, particularly for lower-income families, which became a key issue in the latter part of his term.
The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic also significantly shaped Duterte’s economic legacy. The Philippines, like many other countries, faced severe economic contractions due to lockdowns, which resulted in job losses, a sharp decline in tourism, and challenges in key sectors like manufacturing and services. The country’s GDP shrank by 9.6% in 2020, the worst economic contraction since World War II. Despite efforts to stabilize the economy through stimulus packages and social assistance, recovery remained slow, and the pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in the country’s social safety nets.
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