History of Rodrigo Duterte

Rodrigo Duterte, often referred to as "Digong," is a Filipino politician whose career has been marked by a blend of controversy, populism, and decisive leadership. Born on March 28, 1945, in Maasin, Southern Leyte, Duterte's political journey has been deeply intertwined with the development of modern Filipino politics, reflecting both the tumultuous history of the Philippines and its societal aspirations and challenges.

Duterte comes from a political family; his father, Vicente G. Duterte, was a governor of the then-unified province of Davao. His mother, Soledad Roa, was a teacher and a civic leader, influencing his political and ethical perspectives from a young age. Duterte’s educational background includes a law degree from San Beda College, which he completed in 1972, shortly after which he joined the public prosecutor’s office in Davao City. During his tenure as a prosecutor, he developed a reputation for toughness and a strong stance against criminal activities.

His political career began in earnest in 1986, following the People Power Revolution, which led to the ousting of President Ferdinand Marcos. Duterte was appointed as vice mayor (officer-in-charge) of Davao City by President Corazon Aquino, marking the start of his long association with the city. In 1988, he ran successfully for mayor of Davao City, a position he would hold for over two decades across seven terms, broken intermittently by stints in other roles, including congressman.

As mayor, Duterte transformed Davao from a lawless city plagued by violence and crime into one of the safest in Southeast Asia, a transformation he achieved through methods that drew both praise for reducing crime rates and criticism over alleged human rights abuses. He deployed a tough approach against criminals, including alleged support for extrajudicial killings by vigilante groups, which earned him the nickname "The Punisher." Despite international criticism, many locals supported his methods, valuing the peace and economic growth that came with reduced crime.

Duterte's local success catapulted him to the national stage, leading to his unexpected candidacy for the presidency in 2016. Running as a populist under the party PDP-Laban, his campaign was characterized by blunt rhetoric, promises to eradicate the drug menace in three to six months, and a pledge for a more decentralized government. Duterte’s outsider status and his projection as a man of the people resonated with a populace frustrated by crime, corruption, and ineffective governance.

In May 2016, Duterte won the presidential election with a significant plurality, becoming the 16th president of the Philippines. His presidency was marked by his controversial "War on Drugs," a campaign that led to thousands of deaths and drew widespread international condemnation for alleged human rights violations. Nonetheless, Duterte maintained strong approval ratings domestically throughout his term, bolstered by his straightforward communication style and his administration's infrastructure initiatives under the "Build, Build, Build" program.

Beyond the domestic sphere, Duterte’s presidency was notable for a pivot in the Philippines' foreign policy, particularly a shift away from traditional ally the United States toward China and Russia. This pivot was part of his broader aim to establish an independent foreign policy less reliant on Western powers, but it was met with mixed reactions both domestically and internationally.

Duterte’s tenure saw efforts to advance peace talks with communist insurgents and a continuation of negotiations with Muslim separatists in the southern Philippines. However, the peace process faced significant hurdles and uneven progress. His governance style, often seen as authoritarian, led to concerns over press freedom and the rule of law, exemplified by high-profile battles with media organizations and critics.

Despite criticisms, Duterte’s administration achieved economic growth, with the country experiencing consistent GDP growth pre-pandemic. His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic was initially criticized, but subsequent efforts focused on managing one of the largest vaccination rollouts in Southeast Asia. As his term neared its end in 2022, Duterte endorsed his longtime aide, Bong Go, for the presidency, although Go subsequently withdrew his candidacy.

Duterte's influence on Philippine politics is undeniable, having shifted the political landscape with his brand of populism and strong-man image. His appeal to the masses highlighted deep societal divisions and the desire for strong leadership amidst entrenched issues like poverty, corruption, and inequality. Critics argue his administration's focus on law and order came at the cost of human rights and democratic norms, while supporters view him as a leader who took on the country’s challenges decisively.

Rodrigo Duterte's political legacy is complex, reflecting the tensions and hopes of a nation undergoing rapid transformation. As he stepped down in June 2022, handing over the presidency to his successor, he left behind a deeply divided but fundamentally changed political environment. His tenure will be analyzed for years, serving as a pivotal chapter in the ongoing saga of Philippine governance and democracy. Regardless of perspective, Duterte’s imprint on the Philippines' political and societal fabric is indelible.