History of Rodrigo Duterte

Rodrigo Duterte, a name synonymous with tough rhetoric and controversial policies, rose to prominence in the Philippines through a political career marked by both admiration and criticism. He was born on March 28, 1945, in Maasin, Southern Leyte, a province in the Visayas region of the Philippines. Duterte’s family background played a significant role in shaping his future political path. His father, Vicente Duterte, was a provincial governor of Davao, while his mother, Soledad Duterte, was a school teacher and civil activist. This blend of politics and activism in his upbringing would later influence Duterte's political ideology and style.

Duterte attended Lyceum of the Philippines University where he obtained a degree in political science before proceeding to San Beda College of Law. After earning his law degree and passing the bar examination in 1972, Duterte served as a prosecutor for Davao City, thus beginning his long association with the city that would become synonymous with his political identity.

Duterte’s foray into politics began in 1986, when he was appointed as an officer-in-charge vice mayor of Davao City by then-president Corazon Aquino, following the People Power Revolution that ousted Ferdinand Marcos. A year later, in 1987, Duterte was elected as mayor of Davao City, a position he would hold for over two decades, serving seven terms between 1988 and 2016.

As mayor, Duterte implemented policies that transformed Davao City, which was known for its high crime rates and lawlessness, into one of the safest cities in the Philippines. His tenure was characterized by a mix of development initiatives and an iron-fisted approach to crime, particularly drugs. Duterte’s zero-tolerance policy towards crime and drugs earned him the moniker "The Punisher," both for his successful reduction of crime rates and his alleged tolerance for extrajudicial killings of suspected criminals.

During his time as mayor, Duterte also implemented progressive programs that drew praise. He established a women’s code, which aimed to protect and promote the rights of women, and enhanced health services, which improved the city’s healthcare system. These efforts at local governance helped build his reputation as a decisive, albeit controversial, leader — someone who could bring order and drive change.

Duterte entered the national spotlight when he decided to run for president in the 2016 elections. His campaign was unconventional; he did not declare his candidacy until late November 2015. He ran on a platform that emphasized a relentless crackdown on crime, drugs, and corruption, proposing a radical change from the status quo. His rhetoric was often blunt, laden with expletives, and appealed to a public frustrated with ineffective governance and high crime rates.

Duterte's populist approach resonated with many Filipinos, and he won the presidency with an overwhelming margin, garnering 39% of the votes in a highly competitive race. Once in office, he quickly moved to fulfill his campaign promise of eradicating illegal drugs, launching a controversial and internationally criticized anti-drug campaign. His administration claimed significant reductions in drug-related crime, but it also faced condemnation for widespread human rights abuses. Reports of extrajudicial killings marred his presidency and drew censure from numerous human rights organizations worldwide.

Beyond his drug war, Duterte's presidency was marked by his pivot towards China. Breaking from his predecessors, Duterte sought closer ties with China, often at the expense of the Philippines’ long-standing relationship with the United States. Duterte believed in leveraging economic investments from China despite ongoing tensions in the South China Sea. His administration argued that this approach potentially opened avenues for economic development, although critics saw it as a concession of sovereign claims.

Domestically, Duterte pushed for infrastructure development under the "Build, Build, Build" program. The initiative aimed to boost the economy, create jobs, and enhance the country’s infrastructure. Although it faced challenges in terms of funding and implementation, the policy underscored Duterte’s agenda of modernization and development.

Duterte’s tenure also witnessed controversial policies beyond the drug war. His stance on press freedom came under scrutiny as various media entities faced verbal attacks and legal challenges, raising concerns about threats to democracy and free speech. However, Duterte maintained significant popular support in the Philippines, navigating criticism with a charismatic, albeit polarizing, approach to leadership.

As the end of his term approached in 2022, Duterte remained a figure of substantial influence in Philippine politics. While the Philippine constitution prohibits presidential re-election, Duterte considered several political moves, including a potential run for vice president or backing a loyal successor. However, he eventually announced his retirement from politics in October 2021, only to later decide to run for the Senate, reflecting his enduring political influence.

Rodrigo Duterte’s legacy as a politician is a complex tapestry woven with both significant achievements and controversial actions. His no-nonsense approach appealed to many Filipinos eager for change and order, but his methods and policies often sparked debate over issues of human rights and democratic principles. Regardless of one’s perspective on Duterte, it is undeniable that his impact on the Philippine political landscape will be remembered for years to come, embodying the turbulent yet transformative journey of a nation grappling with its challenges and aspirations.