Rodrigo Duterte

Rodrigo Duterte (born March 28, 1945) is a Filipino politician who served as the 16th President of the Philippines from June 30, 2016, to June 30, 2022. Known for his tough stance on crime and unconventional leadership style, Duterte has been a polarizing figure both in the Philippines and internationally. Before his presidency, Duterte was the Mayor of Davao City for over 22 years, across seven terms.

Early Life and Education

Rodrigo Roa Duterte was born in Maasin, Southern Leyte, to Vicente Duterte, a lawyer and former mayor of Danao, Cebu, and Soledad Roa, a school teacher. He grew up in Davao City, where he later pursued his political career. Duterte graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the Lyceum of the Philippines University in 1968 and obtained a law degree from San Beda College of Law in 1972.

Political Career

Mayor of Davao City

Duterte's political career began in 1986 when he was appointed officer-in-charge vice mayor of Davao City. He was then elected mayor in 1988, a position he held for over two decades. During his tenure, Duterte was credited with transforming Davao City from a lawless area into one of the safest cities in the Philippines, although his methods, including the alleged use of death squads, have been widely criticized.

Presidency

Duterte ran for the presidency in 2016 under the campaign slogan "Change is coming," promising to eradicate drugs, crime, and corruption. He won the election by a large margin, becoming the first president from Mindanao. His presidency was marked by the controversial War on Drugs, which has resulted in thousands of deaths and has been condemned by human rights organizations and foreign governments. Duterte also pursued an independent foreign policy, shifting the Philippines' traditional alliance from the United States to closer ties with China and Russia.

Controversies

Duterte's presidency has been fraught with controversies, including his outspoken and often offensive remarks, his administration's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and his aggressive anti-drug campaign. His approach to governance and human rights issues has drawn international criticism, particularly from the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, which has opened a preliminary investigation into alleged crimes against humanity.

Legacy

Duterte's legacy is mixed. Supporters praise him for his decisive leadership and efforts to reduce crime and corruption, while critics condemn his human rights record and authoritarian tendencies. His impact on Philippine society and politics, particularly his drug war and foreign policy shifts, will likely be debated for years to come.

Post-Presidency

After leaving office, Duterte returned to Davao City, where he remains an influential figure in Philippine politics. His daughter, Sara Duterte, has continued his political legacy by serving in various political positions, including as vice president of the Philippines.