Rodrigo Duterte remains one of the most polarizing yet remarkably popular figures in Philippine politics. Despite facing international court charges tied to his contentious antidrug operations, his approval ratings among Filipinos have remained consistently high. With midterm elections approaching, Duterte’s influence persists, both at the local and national levels, making his legacy one worth examining. But what explains his sustained appeal, and what does it say about Philippine society and politics?
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The Political Background of Rodrigo Duterte
Rodrigo Duterte’s political career spans decades, beginning as the vice mayor of Davao City in 1986 before becoming its mayor in 1988. Often referred to as “Digong” by his supporters, Duterte served as Davao City’s mayor for over 22 years across multiple non-consecutive terms. Under his leadership, the city became known for its improved safety and strict law enforcement initiatives, though these came with allegations of human rights abuses tied to the activities of death squads.
When Duterte ran for president in 2016, his campaign was built on charisma, populism, and tough talk. His promise? To eradicate crime and illegal drugs within six months of taking office. His administration’s flagship policy, the antidrug campaign, led to tens of thousands of deaths, many tied to extrajudicial killings. While this approach was widely criticized by human rights groups and international organizations, it strengthened his reputation domestically as a leader unafraid to make hard choices.
Why does Duterte Remain so Popular?
Despite controversies and serious charges against him, Rodrigo Duterte’s popularity endures. Here are the primary reasons why:
1. Appeal to the Masses
Duterte’s candid, street-style rhetoric resonates with many Filipinos, particularly those from working-class backgrounds who see him as relatable and genuine. He speaks the language of the masses, often using humor and expletives to express himself.
Unlike traditional politicians perceived as elitist or disconnected, Duterte has cultivated an image of being a “man of the people,” which endears him to a broad demographic of voters.
2. Tough-on-Crime Persona
For millions of Filipinos who experience the daily threat of crime and drug-related issues, Duterte’s hardline approach to law enforcement is viewed as necessary, despite its brutal consequences. His antidrug campaign created a perception of order and control, appealing to those who favor immediate solutions over endless bureaucratic processes.
3. Economic Perceptions
During Duterte’s presidency, the Philippines experienced notable economic growth with increased investment in infrastructure. While these improvements weren’t felt equally across all sectors of society, many Filipinos credit him with modernizing the country’s infrastructure through projects such as the “Build, Build, Build” program.
4. Strong Base in Davao City
Duterte’s stronghold in Davao City serves as a testament to his enduring popularity. His long tenure as mayor transformed Davao into one of the safest cities in the Philippines, bolstering his political clout. This legacy continues to influence local and national elections, with many residents fiercely loyal to him.
5. Media and Messaging
The Duterte administration also leveraged social media and digital platforms extensively to control narratives, reaching audiences directly without being filtered by traditional media. Pro-Duterte content in the form of memes, videos, and posts has been instrumental in maintaining his larger-than-life persona online.
Duterte and the Midterm Elections
With the midterm elections fast approaching, all eyes are on how Duterte’s political influence will manifest. He is expected to secure another term as mayor of Davao City, marking his eighth term in office. This landslide win underscores not only his popularity at the local level but also the enduring appeal of his political brand nationwide.
These elections are a litmus test for the Duterte name. They signify more than just political victories; they reflect the wide-ranging support for Duterte even as international scrutiny grows.
The Weight of International Court Charges
Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his role in the bloody antidrug campaign. These charges could have serious repercussions for him personally and for the international image of the Philippines.
However, these proceedings appear to have minimal impact on his standing among Filipino voters. Many Filipinos reject external criticism of Duterte, seeing it as interference in domestic affairs. His supporters frame the charges as attacks on Philippine sovereignty, further solidifying his base.
International condemnation, as loud as it may be, seems almost irrelevant to Duterte’s popularity at home. For his supporters, he remains the steadfast leader who prioritized their safety and security, even at great cost.
Duterte’s Legacy
Rodrigo Duterte’s enduring popularity is a reflection of the complexities of Philippine politics and society. His approach, which polarized opinion both locally and internationally, reveals the profound challenges nations face in balancing strong leadership with justice and human rights. While his policies and rhetoric were controversial, they appealed strongly to many Filipinos who favored decisive action.
His legacy will likely be defined by the tension between his achievements in public safety and infrastructure and the weight of human rights abuses under his administration.
FAQs about Rodrigo Duterte
1. Why is Rodrigo Duterte so popular in the Philippines?
Duterte’s popularity stems from his relatable persona, his tough-on-crime policies, and his perceived ability to deliver on promises like improved public safety and infrastructure development.
2. What were Duterte’s major policies as president?
His major policies included the antidrug campaign, infrastructure development (“Build, Build, Build”), and efforts to decentralize governance in the Philippines.
3. What are the charges against Duterte at the International Criminal Court?
Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity for the thousands of deaths tied to his administration’s antidrug campaign.
4. How has Duterte influenced the upcoming midterm elections?
Despite charges and controversies, Duterte remains a popular figure expected to secure another term in local office. His political influence also extends to candidates aligned with his ideology.
5. What will Duterte’s legacy be?
His legacy will be defined by his strongman leadership style, his impact on public safety, and the controversy surrounding his administration’s human rights record.