He initially announced his candidacy for
vice president in the
2022 election, but in October 2021, said he was retiring from politics. The next month, he filed his candidacy for senator but withdrew it on December 14.[27]
Duterte's
political positions have been described as
populist,[28][29][30] as well as
nationalist.[31][32][33] His political success has been aided by his vocal support for the
extrajudicial killing of drug users and other criminals.[34] His career has sparked
numerous protests and attracted controversy, particularly over
human rights issues and his controversial comments. Duterte has repeatedly confirmed to have personally killed criminal suspects during his term as mayor of Davao.[35][36] Extrajudicial killings that were allegedly committed by the
Davao Death Squad between 1998 and 2016 during Duterte's mayoralty have also been scrutinized by human-rights groups and the
Office of the Ombudsman.[37][38] The victims were mainly alleged drug users, alleged petty criminals, and
street children.[39][40] The
International Criminal Court opened a preliminary investigation into Duterte's drug war in 2018,[41] prompting Duterte to withdraw the Philippines from the body in response.[42] He is the only president in the history of the
Philippines not to
declare his assets and liabilities.[43] Duterte's popularity and domestic approval rating remained relatively high throughout his presidency and by the end of his term, he was the most popular post-
EDSA (1986 People Power Revolution) president.[44][45][46]
Early life
Rodrigo Roa Duterte was born on March 28, 1945, in
Maasin, Southern Leyte.[47] His father was
Vicente Gonzales Duterte (1911–1968), a
Cebuano lawyer, and his mother,
Soledad Gonzales Roa (1916–2012), was a schoolteacher from
Cabadbaran,
Agusan and a civic leader of
Maranao descent. Duterte has said that his grandfather was Chinese and hailed from
Xiamen in
Fujian, China.[48] Duterte has four siblings: Eleanor, Jocelyn, Emmanuel and Benjamin.[49]
Duterte's father was mayor of
Danao, Cebu, and subsequently the provincial governor of (the then-undivided)
Davao province. Rodrigo's cousin
Ronald was mayor of
Cebu City from 1983 to 1986. Ronald's father, Ramon Duterte, also held that position from 1957 to 1959. The Dutertes consider the Cebu-based
political families of the Durano and the Almendras clan as relatives.[50][51] Duterte also has relatives from the Roa clan in Leyte through his mother's side.[52] Duterte's family lived in Maasin, and in his father's hometown in Danao, until he was four years old.[53] Duterte was heavily influenced by his mother, who unlike Vicente was a staunch anti-Marcos activist, which led the young Duterte to have a divided opinion on the Marcoses. Duterte later said Marcos could have been the best president, but unfortunately he was a dictator.[54] The Dutertes initially moved to
Mindanao in 1948 but still went back and forth to the Visayas until 1949.[55] They finally settled in the
Davao Region in 1950. Vicente worked as a lawyer engaged in private practice. Soledad worked as a teacher until 1952, when Vicente entered politics.[56]
He obtained a law degree from
San Beda College of Law in 1972.[60] In the same year, he passed the bar exam.[61] Duterte eventually became a special counsel at the City Prosecution Office in Davao City from 1977 to 1979, fourth assistant city prosecutor from 1979 to 1981, third assistant city prosecutor from 1981 to 1983, and second assistant city prosecutor from 1983 to 1986.[62][63]
Sexual abuse claims
Duterte has claimed he was
sexually abused by a priest when he was a minor.[64] After he was challenged by the
Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and AdDU officials to name the priest and file a case against him, Duterte then revealed the priest's name as Mark Falvey (d. 1975).[64] The
Jesuits of the Society of Jesus in the Philippines confirmed that according to press reports in the United States, in May 2007, the Society of Jesus agreed to a tentative payout of US$16 million to settle claims that Falvey sexually abused at least nine children in Los Angeles from 1959 to 1975. Accusations against Falvey began in 2002 but he was never charged with a crime. In May 2008, the
Diocese of Sacramento paid a $100,000-settlement to a person allegedly raped and molested by Mark's brother, Arthur Falvey. However, it was not clearly indicated in the report if Mark Falvey was assigned at the Jesuit-run Ateneo de Davao.[65]
When asked why he did not complain when the abuse supposedly happened, Duterte claimed that he was too young to complain about the priest's abuse and was intimidated by authorities at that time. He also stated that he never disclosed that information after he was expelled and moved to a different high school and especially not to his family.[66]
Shooting of student at law school
Duterte stated at a rally in April 2016 that he shot a fellow student who had bullied him about his Visayan origin as well as other students of the same ethnicity, while at San Beda law college. He said, "But the truth is, I'm used to shooting people. When we were about to graduate from San Beda, I shot a person." Duterte said that he shot the student in a corridor at the college when the said student called him names again. He later told a reporter that the student survived, but refused to answer any further questions about the incident.[67]
However, in an interview aired on 24 Oras and published on the official GMA News Online website on April 22, 2016, retired labor arbiter Arthur Amansec said Duterte and Octavio Goco at that time were both playing with a gun as it was normal for students to bring guns to school in the seventies. Amansec is Duterte's former classmate in San Beda College who witnessed the incident. He added that "the bullet hit the school's wooden floor and was embedded there." Amansec emphasized that Duterte and Goco remained friends until Goco died in the United States years later.[68]
After the 1986
People Power Revolution that toppled the regime of President
Ferdinand Marcos, Duterte was appointed officer-in-charge vice mayor by President
Corazon Aquino.[69] In 1988, he ran for mayor under the Lakas ng Dabaw banner and won,[4] serving until 1998. He set a precedent by designating deputy mayors to represent the administrative districts, as well as the
Lumad and
Moro peoples in the city government. This was later copied by other cities in other parts of the Philippines.
In December 1990, Duterte joined the
Nacionalista Party upon the persuasion of Senator
Juan Ponce Enrile.[4][70] In 1998, because he was term-limited to run again for mayor, he ran for the House of Representatives and won as congressman of the
1st district of Davao City (under the
Laban ng Makabayang Masang Pilipino coalition). In 2001, he ran again for mayor of Davao and was elected for a fourth term. He was re-elected in 2004[71] and in 2007.[72]
In 1995, after
Flor Contemplacion, a Filipina, was executed in
Singapore after confessing to a double murder, Duterte allegedly burned a
flag of Singapore (though this claim was later denied) and joined 1,000 employees of Davao City in protest.[73][74]
In 2010, he was elected vice mayor, succeeding his daughter,
Sara Duterte-Carpio, who was elected as mayor.[75]
In 2013, Davao City sent rescue and medical teams to
Tacloban to give aid to the victims of
Typhoon Haiyan (locally known in the country as Typhoon Yolanda). Financial assistance was also given to
Bohol and
Cebu for
earthquake victims.[76]
Duterte also passed Davao City's Women Development Code, which aims "to uphold the rights of women and the belief in their worth and dignity as human beings".[77][78] Duterte banned swimsuit competitions in beauty pageants in Davao City.[79] He gained prominence for supporting the first-ever
Gawad Kalinga Village inside a jail facility in Davao City. It is a home-type jail with ten cottages built inside the compound, which now serve as homes for female inmates.[80]
Law and order
During Duterte's tenure as mayor,
Davao City experienced economic boom and a significant decrease in crime from being a conflict-ridden area between communists and right-wing groups during the 1970s and 80s, and is constantly rated as among the safest in the country.[81][13] The city also ranks high in the world according to crowdsourced survey site
Numbeo,[82][83] a narrative that gained currency in the national media, creating a widespread public perception that has been a significant factor in establishing support for his
nationwide drug policy.[84][85][86] The city was also awarded "Most Child-Friendly City for Highly-Urbanized Category" in 1998, 1999, 2013 and 2014.[87][88]
Under Duterte's watch, the city council imposed a prohibition on selling, serving, drinking, and consuming alcoholic beverages from 01:00 until 08:00 each morning. Duterte signed Executive Order No. 39, reducing the speed limits for all kinds of motor vehicles within the territorial jurisdiction of Davao City in the interest of public safety and order.[89] Duterte also signed Executive Order No. 04 creating the implementing of rules and regulations for a new comprehensive anti-smoking ordinance.[90] A
firecracker ban was also implemented by the City Council through the support of Duterte.[91] Davao acquired 10 ambulances for
central 911 intended for medical emergencies and 42 mobile patrol vehicles and motorcycles for the Davao City Police Office.[92] Duterte, through Executive Order No. 24, ordered all shopping malls and commercial centers to install, operate and maintain high end and high definition closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras at all entrance and exit points of their premises.[93]
In early September 2015, an incident was reported of a tourist being forced to swallow his own cigarette butt in a local bar in Davao City after the tourist refused to comply with the public anti-smoking ordinance of the city. Duterte was contacted by the bar owner and the then-mayor personally went into the bar and forced the tourist to swallow his cigarette butt. Duterte was then met with criticisms especially from the
Commission on Human Rights (CHR).[94]
Duterte has been linked by human rights groups such as
Amnesty International and
Human Rights Watch to
extrajudicial killings of over 1,400 alleged criminals and
street children by
vigilantedeath squads.[34][95] In the April 2009 UN General Assembly of the Human Rights Council, the UN report (Eleventh Session Agenda item 3, par 21) said, "The Mayor of Davao City has done nothing to prevent these killings, and his public comments suggest that he is, in fact, supportive."[96] Duterte stressed that the concept of human rights for criminals is Western and should not apply to the Philippines.[97]
We're the ninth-safest city. How do you think I did it? How did I reach that title among the world's safest cities? Kill them all [criminals].
Duterte has denied responsibility for the extrajudicial killings. He has also frequently announced his support for them.[34][98][99] In 2015, Duterte confirmed his links to extrajudicial killings in Davao, and warned that, if elected president, he may kill up to 100,000 criminals; he challenged human rights officials to file a case against him if they could provide evidence of his links with vigilante groups.[100] In October 2023, Duterte admitted on his talk show program Gikan sa Masa, para sa Masa to using intelligence funds to finance the extrajudicial killings done during his time as mayor.[101][102]
In September 2014, Duterte and former mayors and governors, calling themselves the Mindanao Council of Leaders, advocated for a federalist government.[103] A month later, Duterte attended an event sponsored by the Federal Movement for a Better Philippines in
Cebu City.[104]
In December 2014, Duterte held a summit entitled "Mindanaons Forging Unity Toward a Federal System of Government".[105]
As early as the first quarter of 2015, Duterte made hints to the media of his intention to run for president in the 2016 elections. However, he denied these plans numerous times amidst clamor from his supporters for him to run.
In January, Duterte said he would abolish Congress if he chose to run for president and was elected.[106] On November 21, in a private gathering with fraternity brothers from
San Beda College of Law, Duterte formally announced his presidential bid and also finally accepted
Alan Peter Cayetano's offer to be his running mate, and named his daughter, Sara Duterte, as his substitute for Mayor.[107][108] Duterte said he would introduce a federal parliamentary form of government.[109]
During his campaign, Duterte made controversial remarks, including promising to kill tens of thousands of criminals and eradicate crime in six months.[109][110] He also said his presidency would be "a bloody one", and that he would pardon himself, the police, and soldiers accused of human rights abuses at the end of his six-year term.[110] Duterte also apologized after saying out of anger when recalling the events[111] that he "should have been first" to rape Jacqueline Hamill, an Australian missionary who was
gang-raped and killed during the
1989 Davao hostage crisis.[112] After the United States' and Australia's ambassadors to the Philippines criticized him for the rape comments, Duterte threatened to sever diplomatic ties with the countries if elected.[110]
Duterte campaigned for
decentralization and a shift to a federal government during the 2016 presidential election. In an October 2014 forum organized by Federal Movement for a Better Philippines in
Cebu City prior to joining the presidential race, the then-mayor of Davao City called for the creation of two federal states for
Moro people as a solution to the problems besetting
Mindanao.[113] Mayor Duterte said that
Nur Misuari and his
Moro National Liberation Front do not see eye-to-eye with the
Moro Islamic Liberation Front which the administration of President
Benigno Aquino III had inked a peace deal with. He also said that the "template of the
Bangsamoro Basic Law is federal", but what is granted to the Bangsamoro should also be granted to other Moro groups and other regions in the country.[114] In a dialogue with the
Makati Business Club prior to the elections, Duterte said he is open to "toning down the Constitution" to accommodate more foreign investors to the Philippines.[115] He also said he is open to up to 70 percent foreign ownership of businesses in the country and foreign lease of lands up to 60 years, but will "leave it to Congress to decide".[115]
Duterte was inaugurated as the
sixteenthpresident of the Philippines on June 30, 2016, succeeding
Benigno Aquino III. At age 71, Duterte became the oldest person elected to the presidency, the first local chief executive to get elected straight to the Office of the President, the second
Cebuano president (after
Sergio Osmeña), and the first
Visayan president from
Mindanao.[122]
Duterte made moves to limit
US visiting troops in the country, and has reached out to China and Russia to improve relations. He launched tirades against international critics, particularly, United States President
Barack Obama, the US government, the
United Nations, and the
European Union, which expressed condemnation to his unprecedented war on drugs that led to the deaths of about 3,300 people, half of which were killed by unknown assailants, and the arrest of 22,000 drug suspects and surrender of about 731,000 people.[128][129]
Duterte adjusted to working and residing at the
Malacañang Palace by dividing his workweek between Manila and Davao City, spending three days in each city and utilizing the
Malacañang of the South while in Davao.[133]
Duterte's socioeconomic policies, referred to as DuterteNomics, include tax reform, infrastructure development, social protection programs, and other policies to promote economic growth and human development in the country.[137][138]Finance SecretaryCarlos Dominguez III has said that the government required what he describes as an "audacious" economic strategy in order for the Philippines to "catch up with its more vibrant neighbors" by 2022 and help it achieve
high-income economy status within a generation. The term DuterteNomics was coined to describe the economic policy of the Duterte administration.
Duterte initiated liberal economic reforms to attract foreign investors.[139] In March 2022, he signed Republic Act No. 11647 which amended the Foreign Investment Act of 1991, effectively relaxing restrictions on foreign investments by allowing foreigners to invest in a local enterprise up to 100% of its capital.[140] He signed Republic Act No. 11659, amending the 85-year-old Public Service Act, allowing full foreign ownership of public services, which include airports, expressways, railways, telecommunications, and shipping industries, in the country.[141]
Duterte reformed the country's tax system in an effort to make the country's tax system fairer, simpler, and more efficient.[142] In December 2017, he signed
Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law (TRAIN Law) which excludes those earning an annual taxable income of ₱250,000 and below from paying the personal income tax, while raising higher
excise taxes on vehicles, sugar-sweetened beverages, petroleum products, tobacco and other non-essential goods.[143] Revenues collected from the TRAIN law will help fund the administration's massive
infrastructure program.[144][145] In March 2021, to attract more investments and maintain fiscal stability, Duterte signed the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, reducing the 30 percent
corporate income tax rate to 25 percent for firms with assets above ₱100 million and to 20 percent for smaller firms.[146] Duterte raised
sin taxes on tobacco and vapor products in July 2019, and alcohol beverages and
electronic cigarettes in January 2020, to fund the Universal Health Care Act and reduce incidence of deaths and diseases associated with smoking and alcohol consumption.[147][148]
To reduce poverty, encourage economic growth, and reduce congestion in
Metro Manila, the Duterte administration launched its comprehensive infrastructure program,
Build, Build, Build,[150] on April 18, 2017.[151] The program, which forms part of
the administration's socioeconomic policy,[150] aimed to usher in the country's "Golden Age of Infrastructure" by increasing the share of spending on public infrastructure in the country's
gross domestic product (GDP) from 5.4 percent in 2017 to 7.4 percent in 2022.[152][153] The administration, in 2017, shifted its infrastructure funding policy from
public-private partnerships (PPPs) of previous administrations to government revenues and
official development assistance (ODA), particularly from Japan and China,[154] but has since October 2019 engaged with the private sector for additional funding.[155][156]
The administration revised its list of Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs) under the Build, Build, Build program from 75 to 100 in November 2019,[157][158] then to 104, and finally, to 112 in 2020,[159] expanding its scope to include health, information and communications technology, and water infrastructure projects to support the country's economic growth and recovery from the
COVID-19 pandemic. Some major projects include[158] the Subic-Clark Railway,[160] the
North–South Commuter Railway from
New Clark City to
Calamba, Laguna,[160] the
Metro Manila Subway,[161] the expansion of
Clark International Airport[160] the
Mindanao Railway (Tagum-Davao-Digos Segment),[162] and the
Luzon Spine Expressway Network[163][164] By April 2022, 12 IFPs have been completed by the administration, while 88 IFPs, which were on their "advanced stage", have been passed on to the succeeding administration for completion.[159]
From June 2016 to July 2021, a total of 29,264 kilometres (18,184 mi) of roads, 5,950 bridges, 11,340 flood control projects, 222 evacuation centers, and 150,149 elementary and secondary classrooms, and 653 COVID-19 facilities under the Build, Build, Build program had been completed.[165][166]
Following his inauguration, Duterte started a nationwide anti-drug campaign, urging the Filipinos, including the
New People's Army to join the fight against illegal drugs.[167] According to former
Philippine National Police Chief and future
senatorRonald dela Rosa, the policy is aimed at "the neutralization of illegal drug personalities nationwide".[168] Estimates of the death toll vary. Officially, 5,100 drug personalities have been killed as of January 2019.[169] Some news organizations and human rights groups claim the death toll is over 12,000.[170][171] or over 20,000.[172]
Duterte campaigned to eliminate illegal drugs in the country within three to six months, but later admitted he miscalculated the gravity of the drug problem after taking office as he based his approach to that of
Davao City during his tenure as the city's mayor. He cited the difficulty in border control against illegal drugs due to the country's long coastline and lamented that government officials and law enforcers themselves were involved in the drug trade.[173]
Part of the Duterte administration's strategy on anti-illegal drugs is the Barangay Drug Clearing Program, which aims to eradicate illegal drugs in the country's remaining drug-affected
barangays.[174] As of February 2022[update], the
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency reported that a total of 24,379 (58%) out of the 42,045 barangays have been declared drug-cleared, 6,606 (16%) barangays were drug unaffected/drug-free, while 11,060 (26%) have yet to be cleared of illegal drugs.[175]
Duterte has said that Moro dignity is what the MILF and MNLF are struggling for, and that they are not terrorists. He acknowledged that the Moros were subjected to wrongdoing, historical and in territory.[176]
Duterte was endorsed in the election by
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari[177] due to his background in Mindanao.[178] Other Muslims also supported Duterte and denounced Roxas, the Aquino-supported pick.[179]
On November 6, 2016, Duterte signed an executive order to expand the
Bangsamoro Transition Commission to 21 members from 15, in which 11 will be decided by the MILF and 10 will be nominated by the government. The commission was formed in December 2013 and is tasked to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law in accordance with the
Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.[180]
Duterte signed the
Bangsamoro Organic Law on July 26, 2018,[181][182] which abolished the
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and provided for the basic structure of government for the
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, following the agreements set forth in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro peace agreement signed between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in 2014.[183]
In July 2020, Duterte signed the controversial[190]Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, which aims to give more surveillance powers to government forces in order to curb terror threats and acts.[191]
Duterte initially pursued peace talks with the
Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and appointed several left-leaning individuals to government positions,[193][194][195] but cancelled all negotiations in February 2017 following attacks and kidnapping of soldiers by
New Peoples Army (NPA) rebels, officially declaring the CPP-NPA as a
terrorist organization.[196] Several officials with leftist affiliations initially appointed by Duterte have either resigned, been fired, or rejected by the
Commission on Appointments.[195][197]
Duterte created the Task Force Balik-Loob in April 2018 for the reintegration of former communist rebels.[198] In December 2018, he ordered the creation of the
National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and institutionalized a "whole-of-nation approach" in combating extremism and terrorism.[199]
Duterte officially announced the permanent termination of the peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA-NDF on March 21, 2019, and said the communist rebels' call for land reform is already being done under his administration.[200][201] On June 23, 2021, the Anti-Terrorism Council designated the
National Democratic Front (NDF) as a terrorist organization, citing it as an "integral and inseparable part" of the CPP-NPA.[202][203]
On November 29, 2021, the NTF-ELCAC reported that a total of 20,579 communist rebels surrendered since the start of the Duterte administration.[204]
Energy and climate
The Duterte administration initially adopted a "technology neutral" policy in energy generation.[205] Earlier in his term, Duterte stressed that
coal remains the most viable source of energy if the Philippines is to accelerate industrialization,[206] and questioned the
sanctions imposed by the United States and European Union on smaller countries including the Philippines when the country's
carbon footprint is not significant compared to the superpowers.[207]
To hasten the expansion of the nation's power capacity, Duterte established the inter-agency Energy Investment Coordinating Council tasked with simplifying and streamlining the approval process of big-ticket projects.[205] On January 21, 2022, he signed a law promoting the use of
microgrid systems in unserved and underserved areas to accelerate total electrification of the country.[214] The administration made initiatives to liberalize the energy sector,[208][215] allowing 100% foreign ownership in large-scale
geothermal projects starting October 2020.[216][217]
Duterte signed the
Paris Agreement on Climate Change in March 2017, after initially having misgivings about the deal which he says might limit the country's industrialization.[218] The Agreement was ratified by the
Senate on March 15, 2017.[219] Duterte said that rich countries producing the most
carbon emissions must pay smaller countries for damage caused by
climate change.[220]
Government streamlining
Duterte introduced reforms to eliminate
red tape in the government,[221] and ordered government agencies to remove all processes which are "redundant or burdensome" to the public.[222] Three weeks after assuming office, he issued his second executive order establishing
Freedom of Information, allowing citizens to obtain documents and records from public offices under the
executive branch to promote transparency in the government.[223][224]
In May 2018, Duterte signed the Ease of Doing Business Act which aims to create a better business environment by reducing processing time, cutting bureaucratic red tape, and eliminating corrupt practices in all government agencies.[225][226] In December 2020, he enacted a law authorizing the President to expedite the processing and issuance of national and local permits, licenses, and certifications, by suspending its requirements, in times of
national emergency.[227]
Duterte institutionalized the
8888 Citizens' Complaint Hotline in October 2016, allowing the public to report complaints on poor government front-line services and corrupt practices in all government agencies.[228]
Health care
Duterte vowed to improve the
health care system,[229][230] certifying the Universal Healthcare Bill as an urgent measure as early as July 2018.[231] In February 2019, he signed the Universal Health Care Act, which automatically enrolls all Filipinos under the
government'shealth insurance program.[232] He also enacted the National Integrated Cancer Control Act which establishes a "national integrated" program to control and prevent
cancer by making treatment more accessible and affordable,[233][234] and the Philippine Mental Health Law, which provides free
mental health services down to the
barangay level while requiring hospitals to provide psychiatric, psychosocial and neurologic services.[235][236]
In December 2019, Duterte signed a law institutionalizing
Malasakit Centers in all hospitals run by the
Department of Health, allowing indigent patients to efficiently access financial medical assistance from various government agencies.[237]
Duterte signed the
Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act in August 2017, providing free college education in all
state universities and colleges nationwide.[241] He signed a law establishing
transnational higher education in the country, allowing foreign universities to offer degree programs in the Philippines in an effort to bring international quality standards and expertise into the country.[242][243] He also signed
medicalscholarships for deserving students in state universities and colleges or partner private higher education institutions through the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act on December 23, 2020.[244]
Duterte approved in January 2021 a law institutionalizing the
alternative learning system (ALS), providing free education to those out of school.[245][246] In March 2022, he enacted a law granting inclusive education for learners with
disabilities.[247]
The Duterte administration has vowed to pursue what it describes as an "independent foreign policy" that would reject any meddling by foreign governments, reiterating
Article II, Section 7 of the 1987 Constitution which states: "The State shall pursue an independent foreign policy. In its relations with other states the paramount consideration shall be national
sovereignty,
territorial integrity,
national interest, and the right to
self-determination." In September 2016, Duterte said: "We will observe and must insist on the time-honored principle of sovereignty, sovereign equality, non-interference and the commitment of peaceful settlements of dispute that will serve our people and protect the interests of our country."[26]
Duterte pursued improved relations with
China and
Russia,[250] and lessened the country's dependence on its traditional ally – the
United States.[251][252] He has adopted a cautious, pragmatic, and conciliatory stance towards China compared to his predecessor,[253] and has set aside the
previous administration's confrontational policy of asserting the Philippines'
claims over the
South China Sea and its islands.[254]
On May 31, 2016, a few weeks before his presidential inauguration, Duterte named his
Cabinet,[255] which consisted of former military generals, childhood friends, classmates, and
leftist politicians.[256] Following his presidential inauguration, he administered a mass oath-taking for his Cabinet officials, and held his first Cabinet meeting on June 30.[257][258] He appointed his long-time personal aide
Bong Go as
Special Assistant to the President to provide general supervision to the
Presidential Management Staff.[259]
President Duterte and his administration have been criticized for his anti-drug campaign, foreign policies, human rights record, extrajudicial killings during his term, political views, and controversial comments.[260][261] Despite the criticisms on his administration, Duterte had relatively high domestic trust and approval ratings, receiving in the first half of his six-year term a record net satisfaction rating of 68%[262] Duterte's approval rating was at 79% in April 2019[263] and an 87% approval rating on a December 2019 survey conducted by
Pulse Asia.[264] Duterte and his administration also got high approval ratings in handling the
COVID-19 pandemic.[265][266]
Anti-drug campaign
Duterte's anti-drug campaign has been criticized both locally and internationally. Senator
Risa Hontiveros, a political opponent of Duterte, said that the drug war was a political strategy intended to persuade people that "suddenly the historically most important issue of poverty was no longer the most important."[267]
Various international publications and media companies had claimed that Duterte's "War on Drugs" was a war against the poor due to the abject poverty of those arrested or killed.[268][269] On June 19, 2018, 38
United Nations member states released a collective statement through the
United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), calling on the Philippines and President Duterte to end the killings in its war on drugs and cooperate in probing in investigating human rights abuses.[270][271][272]
Duterte believes that the number of deaths are a measure of his success in his war against drugs,[273][274][275] and despite constant criticism of his war on drugs, Duterte had staunchly defended his administration's efforts at getting rid of "filth" from the streets.[276][277] A large number of Filipinos support Duterte's war on drugs, with a 2019
SWS survey showing 82% of 1,200 interviewed Filipinos were "overwhelmingly satisfied" due to "the perception of less drugs and crime in the country".[278][279] In August 2017, Duterte admitted his mistake in trying to end drugs in six months, and it would take him his entire term to end it.[280]
Human rights concerns
Human Rights Watch (HRW) called the first year of Duterte in office a "human rights calamity". HRW estimates that there has been 7,000 deaths from the day Duterte first took office to January 2017.[281] The Duterte administration suspended the drugs war in February 2017 in an effort to cleanse the police ranks of supposed corruption, also halting the disclosure of figures on deaths related to drug arrests and raids.[282] In March 2017, HRW released a special investigation and report on the state of police related shooting, titled "License To Kill".[283]The New York Times had also released a video documentary "When A President Says I'll Kill You", which depicts Duterte's war on drugs through a local photographer's eyes.[284] On August 17, 2017, HRW called Duterte a threat to the human rights community after he made threats against human rights activists.[285]
In January 2020, the
International Criminal Court confirmed that an investigation into Duterte's involvement with the death squads was ongoing, despite the Philippines having withdrawn from the ICC two years prior, because it continued to have jurisdiction over crimes committed when the country was still a member. Duterte had withdrawn the country just one month after the opening of the investigation.[42] In September 2021, the ICC authorized an official probe after reviewing evidence related to at least 204 victims.[286]
Members of the opposition have criticized the government's efforts against the
COVID-19 pandemic in the country.[287][288] The first case of
SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Philippines was confirmed on January 30, 2020,[289] triggering outrage on local social media platforms over the government's alleged "inaction".[290] Other criticisms include Duterte's remarks of ordering to "shoot" persons who violate quarantine protocols[291][292] and the delay of the vaccines to arrive in the Philippines were also condemned.[293]
Militant groups decry the ties between President Duterte and China over the Chinese occupation of contested waters and the reported harassment of the fishermen amidst the
territorial disputes in the
South China Sea.[297][298] Also, while the United States is one of the countries critical to Philippine drug war campaign,[299][300][301] most of the militant groups[302] – particularly left-wing groups[303] – also criticize Philippine-US relations due to the United States' "
imperialism"[303][304] and
neoliberal policies.[305]
Tax reform
Duterte's tax reform program has garnered both support and criticism. Critics have argued that the administration's tax policy would burden the poor.[306] The implementation of the TRAIN Law triggered protests from various left-wing groups. On January 15, 2018, protesters gathered at various public market sites, calling for the revocation of TRAIN.[307] However, proponents of the program cite its appeal to foreign investors and economic benefits as the main reasons behind tax reform.
Controversial remarks
Duterte's records on human rights and his long history of comments that have widely been considered to be offensive, provocative, threatening, and undiplomatic have received sharp international criticism. He has been portrayed by his critics in the media as having a "dirty mouth".[308] He had, however, promised to behave in a "prim and proper" manner on the national and international stage once he was to be inaugurated as president, to the point that, "almost, I would become holy."[309]
Throughout his presidency, Duterte has made controversial comments about rape,[310][311][312] human rights, his views on media killings,[313] and has used slurs;[314][315] he has also made controversial statements to international leaders and institutions.[316][317] He has also repeatedly criticized the
Catholic Church which has expressed alarm over deaths linked to the war on drugs.[318][319][320][321]
Critics raised the possibility of Duterte extending his term after he announced his candidacy for vice president.[324][325] The
PDP–Laban Cusi faction fielded former
Philippine National Police chief and Senator
Ronald dela Rosa as president,[326] who was widely suspected to be a
placeholder for Duterte's daughter, Davao City mayor
Sara Duterte.[327] On October 2, 2021, Duterte withdrew his candidacy and announced his retirement from politics, with long-time aide and Senator
Bong Go replacing him as the vice presidential candidate.[328]
On November 13, 2021, hours after Sara unexpectedly decided instead to run as vice president under the
Lakas–CMD party, dela Rosa withdrew and was replaced by Go.[329] Duterte later backtracked on his planned retirement and announced his plan to run for vice president as an expression of dismay for Sara's decision to settle for the vice presidential race when polls showed she was the preferred candidate for presidency.[330] He later withdrew after deciding not to face his daughter in the vice presidential race, and instead announced his intent on running as senator,[331] while endorsing a Go–Sara tandem.[332]
Sara, however, decided to run in tandem with
Bongbong Marcos, who announced his presidential candidacy.[333] Go expressed his disinterest in the presidential position and said his heart and mind contradicted his actions.[334] On December 14, 2021, hours after Go withdrew his candidacy for president, Duterte officially withdrew his senate bid.[335]
Duterte remained influential before the national elections as several presidential candidates were open to his endorsement due to his high popularity.[336][337][338] Allies of Duterte endorsed different candidates after the Cusi faction was left without a
standard bearer following Go's withdrawal. The PDP–Laban Cusi faction endorsed presidential candidate Marcos,[339] with some officials calling for Duterte to do the same.[340] Duterte, however, insisted on endorsing only Sara as vice president and 17 senatorial candidates,[341][342] and stressed that he will remain neutral, deciding not to endorse any presidential bet[339] and prohibiting his Cabinet members from campaigning for any candidate[343] to avoid suspicion that he will use public funds for his preferred successor's campaign[344] and to prevent cabinet members from compromising their integrity.[343] Duterte said the next president should be decisive, compassionate, a good judge of a person, and preferably, a lawyer,[339] which a PDP–Laban official interpreted as a "virtual endorsement" for his rival, Vice President
Leni Robredo, who also decided to run for president.[345] In March 2022, Go said Duterte briefly met with Marcos and gave him advice on the presidency, but could not say whether Duterte gave Marcos an endorsement.[346][339]
On May 5, 2022, Duterte created a
transition committee led by
Executive SecretarySalvador Medialdea to oversee the transition of power to the next administration.[347] According to analysts, Duterte's popularity was "inherited" by Marcos and Sara, who both won landslides in the election.[348]
On March 16, 2017, opposition politician Gary Alejano filed an impeachment complaint against Duterte citing thousands of deaths in Duterte's
anti-drug campaign, alleged leadership of vigilante group
Davao Death Squad, and allegations of graft and corruption.[349][350] Alejano, on March 30, filed a supplemental complaint over Duterte's alleged inaction and "defeatist stance" in the West Philippine Sea,
Panatag Shoal, and Benham Rise.[351][352] On May 15, the
House Justice Committee officially dismissed the charge by unanimous vote due to insufficient evidence after Alejano said he had no personal knowledge of the alleged offenses, having based his impeachment complaint on news reports and witness testimonies.[353][354]
Post-presidency (2022–present)
At the end of his term, Duterte returned to Davao City and kept a low profile[355][356] until January 2023, when he resumed hosting his weekly show, Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa (From the Masses, For The Masses), on
SMNI.[357]
In an informal meeting in September 2023, former president and congresswoman
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo convinced Duterte to be active in politics again.[358]
2023 visit to China
Under the
Bongbong Marcos administration, which sought to gravitate towards the United States and expanded the number of bases American troops can access under the
Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, relations between the Philippines and China became tense. In July 2023, Duterte and Chinese President
Xi Jinping held a surprise meeting in Beijing; Xi called on Duterte to continue to "play an important role" in improving Philippine-China relations.[359] Duterte later discussed with Marcos in Malacañang Palace his meeting with Xi and gave advice to Marcos.[360]
Feud with the House and criticism of Marcos Jr.
A rift between the Duterte and Marcos families had begun under
House SpeakerMartin Romualdez' leadership.[361] In October 2023, Duterte's daughter, Vice President and
Education SecretarySara Duterte requested Congress for the allocation of confidential funds for the
office of the vice president (OVP) and the
education department which can be used for the
Reserve Officers' Training Corps program. Congress rejected Sara's request[362] but swiftly approved the confidential funds of the
Office of the President,[363] leading the elder Duterte to allege that Romualdez and the
Makabayan bloc are behind a plot against his daughter.[362] Duterte criticized the House of Representatives as the "most rotten institution" in the country,[364] saying the House enjoyed "unlimited"
pork barrel funds and demanding an
audit of the House under Romualdez;[365] Duterte's comments offended some House members[366] including Romualdez,[367] prompting the House to issue a loyalty check
resolution in support of Romualdez. Shortly after, the House expelled Duterte's political allies former President and Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Congressman
Isidro Ungab as Deputy House Speakers for failing to sign the resolution.[368] Several House members of Duterte's party,
PDP-Laban,
party-switched, mostly to the Romualdez-led
Lakas-CMD,[369] leaving only 15 PDP-Laban members from 120 at the height of Duterte's presidency.[370] After
ACT Teachers Representative
France Castro of the Makabayan bloc pushed to remove the OVP and education department's confidential funds, Duterte urged Sara to reveal the use of such funds, which includes the supposed killing of communists such as Castro.[366] Castro then filed a legal case against Duterte for labeling her as a communist rebel and allegedly threatening her life.[371] Duterte had not appeared at the investigation twice,[372][373] and Castro's legal case has later been denied by the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office due to "lack of sufficient evidence".[374]
In late November 2023, Duterte said he will be forced to run for Vice President or Senator after reports circulated that some House members want Vice President Sara impeached.[375] The House began tackling at least three house resolutions filed separately by the Makabayan Bloc, House Human Rights Panel chairperson and Manila
6th District Rep.
Bienvenido Abante Jr. and
1-Rider Partylist Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez, and
Albay1st District Rep.
Edcel Lagman[376] urging the Marcos administration to cooperate with the International Criminal Court's investigation into Duterte's war on drugs; Romualdez denied prioritizing the measures.[377]
During a rally against
proposed constitutional reform in Davao City on January 28, 2024, Duterte accused Marcos of plotting to extend his term beyond the current term limit of the Constitution and of being a drug addict, a claim he had made during Marcos' presidential campaign. Marcos responded by attributing Duterte's remarks to the effects of
fentanyl, an
opioid Duterte used to relieve pain caused by injuries after a motorcycle accident;[378] Duterte later dared Marcos to undergo a drug test with him at
Luneta Park.[379] Frustrated on how the government uses resources and taxpayers' money,[380] Duterte later revived an initiative
Davao del Norte1st district Representative and former House Speaker
Pantaleon Alvarez advocated[381] for the island of Mindanao to
secede from the Philippines; he said that he had instructed Alvarez to collect signatures as part of the campaign.[382] Duterte's declaration drew disapproval from several lawmakers and former Muslim rebels.[383] On February 27, Duterte retracted his calls for the secession, saying that it was a bluff and a "joke" to get the attention of "Manila"; he further explained that he does not want the Philippines to be dismembered, and that he wanted "a better deal for Mindanao".[384]
SMNI suspension and KJC estate administrator
In December 2023, the
Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) suspended for 14 days two shows of media network SMNI that included Duterte's platform Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa over complaints that a death threat to leftist
ACT Teachers party-list Representative
France Castro was allegedly made by Duterte in the show.[385] Reacting to the temporary suspension, Duterte said "A temporary preventive suspension is by itself already a censorship. Hindi ka makakasalita, you're censored".[386] Two days later, the
National Telecommunications Commission suspended SMNI for 30 days after the House of Representatives adopted a resolution filed by
PBA Partylist Representative Margarita Nograles, who claimed that the network was propagating false information.[387] Duterte said he wanted to speak with Bongbong Marcos about the suspension as it has affected his program Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa.[388] On January 23, 2024, the NTC made the suspension indefinite, on grounds that SMNI did not comply with the suspension order;[389] SMNI later challenged the NTC cease and desist orders before the Supreme Court.[390]
On March 9, 2024, Duterte was appointed as estate administrator of the properties of religious sect
Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) after California Judge
Terry J. Hatter Jr.—upon the request of the
US Attorney General Criminal Division—ordered the unsealing of the arrest warrants against KJC leader,
Apollo Quiboloy, who is hiding from possible arrest by US authorities for alleged cases of sex trafficking, rape, fraud, and cash smuggling.[391]
Ardent supporters of Duterte have been labeled as "
Diehard Duterte Supporters", alternatively known as "Digong Duterte Supporters", which shares the acronym with the
Davao Death Squad (DDS).[392] This label has been applied to the 16 million people who voted for him in the 2016 presidential election.[393]
Duterte developed a reputation as a "protector" and "savior" in his hometown of
Davao City as mayor of the city for more than two decades. This is despite reports of death squads in the city.[394]
Duterte has been described as a
populist, with his foul-mouthed remarks against the country's elite which positioned him as a "man of the people" as critical to his victory in the 2016 presidential election.[395] He has also been compared to
U.S. PresidentDonald Trump for his rhetorical style.[394]
Throughout his career, Duterte's remained hugely popular, attributed to his man-of-the-people style and a perception of strong leadership and success in fighting crime and corruption, while opponents reproach him for his authoritarian style and low tolerance of dissent.[396] Analysts attribute his continued popularity to his emotional connection to the public, citing his charisma and humor, tough-talking manner, his image as a father figure as Tatay Digong (Father Digong), and Filipinos' general interest in strong leaders.[397][398]
A
Social Weather Stations study concluded that there are multiple reasons for Duterte's high satisfaction ratings in surveys; these include his strong
base support, satisfaction with the administration's overall governance (pamamalakad) and with some policy issues which include helping the poor and the drug war, and his character. Poll respondents who relate to or are attracted to some aspects of his character, such as his perceived decisiveness and diligence tend to be satisfied. On the other hand, those who feel he is vulgar (bastos) tend to be less satisfied.[399]
Despite keeping a low profile during his post-presidency, Duterte retained his popularity, topping four consecutive surveys conducted separately in March,[356] June,[400] September,[401] and December 2023 by PUBLiCUS Asia on the voting disposition for 2025 Philippine Senate election.[402]
Several other Facebook groups with the acronym "DDS" supported Duterte as early as 2011. Among these groups is the Duterte Defense Squad, which was created on July 5, 2011. Other examples include Digong Duterte Supporters-Registered Nurses Group, Duterte's Destiny is to Serve the Country, Digong Duterte Swerte (lit. Digong Duterte is (Good) Luck), and Davsur Duterte Supporters. In 2015, members of the various groups urged Duterte to run for president.[403]
Approval ratings
SWS Net satisfaction ratings of Rodrigo Duterte(September 2016–June 2022)
Duterte's approval rating has been relatively high throughout his presidency despite criticism and international opposition to his anti-narcotics drive.[44] Two weeks into Duterte's presidency, on July 13, 2016, the
Social Weather Stations (SWS) conducted the first survey on his presidency since his inauguration on June 30, where Duterte received an "excellent" trust rating of 79% among 1,200 adults nationwide.[408][409] A week later, on July 20,
Pulse Asia released a poll conducted on July 2–8 showing 91% of Filipinos trust Duterte, making him the most trusted official in the Philippines since 1999.[410][411] Duterte's net satisfaction rating plunged to its lowest at 45% in July 2018,[412] which recovered to 54% in September 2018,[413] and 60% in December 2018.[414]
Duterte finished the first half of his six-year term with a record net satisfaction rating of 68%.[262] An SWS survey conducted in April 2019 puts Duterte's approval ratings at 79%, higher than any of his predecessors at this stage in their presidencies.[415] Duterte earned an approval rating of 87% on a December 2019 survey conducted by Pulse Asia; this is credited to poverty reduction and the general success in hosting the
2019 SEA Games.[416]
Amid the
COVID-19 pandemic, a Pulse Asia September 2020 "Ulat ng Bayan Survey" ("Report to the Nation Survey"), showed that 84% of Filipinos approve of the government's work to control the spread of the coronavirus disease and the government efforts in assisting those who lost their jobs due to the pandemic; the same survey showed that 92% of survey respondents said that Duterte has "done well" in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the country.[265][266] Duterte's approval rating rose to 60% in December 2021[405] higher than the 52% rating in September 2021,[417] and slightly lower than the 62% rating in June 2021;[399] the survey also noted higher net satisfaction among those vaccinated and those willing to get vaccinated.[405]
Duterte retained his high approval and trust ratings toward the end of his term, according to a PUBLiCUS Asia survey conducted between March 30 to April 6, 2022; the survey showed 67.2% of the 1,500 respondents approved of Duterte's performance over the past 12 months, while only 15.2% disapproved.[418][45] Another survey conducted in 2021 by WR Numero Research revealed that 54.59% of voters want soft continuity of the Duterte's policies, 29.57% want full continuity, while only 15.84% preferred change.[419]
Duterte left office with his highest net satisfaction rating of 81%, according to an SWS survey held between June 26 to 29, 2022.[407] A nationwide survey of 1,500 respondents conducted by PUBLiCUS Asia between June 16 to 22, during Duterte's last month in office, revealed that Duterte is the most popular post-
EDSA president, receiving 75% approval of his performance during his six-year tenure, while only 10% expressed disapproval.[420][46]
Duterte described himself as
left-leaning during his campaign and presidency, but has stressed that he is for democracy and is not a communist.[421][422]
Duterte was a member of the leftist
Kabataang Makabayan during the 1970s[423] and was a student of prominent Philippine leftist figure and founder of the
Communist Party of the Philippines,
Jose Maria Sison.[424][425] However, his relationship with the communists deteriorated during his presidency due to continued rebel attacks on soldiers despite the peace talks.[195][197]
Personal life
Duterte is known for being an avid fan of
big bikes, but detests luxury cars. He once owned a second-hand
Harley-Davidson and a
Yamaha Virago. He was once a habitual
smoker, but he eventually quit after a doctor's suggestion due to health concerns. Duterte is an avid reader of
Robert Ludlum and
Sidney Sheldon novels.[426] Duterte is also known for his straightforward and vocal attitude in public, especially in interviews, showing no hesitation in profusely using
profanity live on-screen on numerous occasions despite formal requests by media groups and schools beforehand to abstain.[427]
While criticizing political opponent
Antonio Trillanes in a 2019 speech, Duterte said that he was once gay but had
"cured himself" before meeting his partner Zimmerman.[314]
Since being the mayor of Davao City, Duterte has held an annual tradition of visiting children with cancer in the city and giving them Christmas gifts.[431]
Family
Duterte's father, Vicente, died in 1968 while his mother, Soledad, died on February 4, 2012, at the age of 95.[432] Zimmerman was diagnosed with
stage IIIbreast cancer in 2015.[433]
Duterte was once married to
Elizabeth Abellana Zimmerman, a flight attendant of
Jewish and
German American descent from Davao City.[434][435] She traces her roots in
Tuburan, Cebu.[436] They together have three children (from eldest to youngest):
Paolo ("Pulong"),
Sara ("Inday Sara") and
Sebastian ("Baste").[434] Paolo and Sara entered politics while Baste, with no interest in politics, concentrated on business and surfing but eventually ran and won as Davao City Vice Mayor in 2019.[437][438] Sara was elected as Vice President in 2022.[348]
Duterte has been publicly open about his infidelity and philandering while married to Zimmerman and cited it as the reason for his failed first marriage when asked in interviews. In 1998, Zimmerman filed a petition in the
Regional Trial Court in
Pasig to nullify her marriage. Duterte never appeared in court and did not contest Zimmerman's petition. Two years later, the court decided in her favor, ending the 27-year marriage of Duterte and Zimmerman. Duterte and Zimmerman have been on good terms in recent years with Zimmerman stating, "Yes, [Rodrigo] is really a very good leader. That is all he is. But when it comes to family, he is not capable of taking care of it." In 2001, Zimmerman eventually ran for a seat on the city council but lost. Duterte and Zimmerman are said to have patched things up and appear to be civil to each other, 15 years after their marriage was declared null and void. Zimmerman eventually joined the campaign trail for Duterte's presidential candidacy in early 2016 called Byaheng Du30 in which she would travel by bus to major cities together with her daughter Sara and a number of delegates.[433]
Duterte is currently living with his
common-law wifeCielito "Honeylet" Avanceña, a nurse, with whom he has one daughter named Veronica ("Kitty"). Duterte has eleven grandchildren, half of whom are Muslims and the other half Christian,[439] and two great-grandchildren.[440]
On his paternal side, he shares familial ties with some of the prominent families of the Visayas, particularly the Almendrases and Duranos of
Danao, Cebu.[d]
Religion
Duterte has described himself as
Christian in 2016[442][443] and "
spiritual" in 2018, expressing that he "can't accept" Catholicism or
organized religion but also that he is neither an
atheist nor an
agnostic.[444][445] He has challenged the Catholic Church to show evidence of the existence of God, while expressing his belief in "one Supreme God" and "a universal mind somewhere which controls the universe".[444][445] He has also quipped that God can be "stupid".[446] He has referred to God as
Allah[443] and has been quoted as saying: "a part of me which is
Islam".[447]
Despite being raised as a communicant of the
Catholic Church, on January 19, 2016, while meeting with businessmen in
Binondo, Manila, Duterte clarified that he had not attended
Mass for quite some time already since he deemed it incompatible with his mayoral responsibilities: "If I listened to the
Ten Commandments or to the priests," said Duterte, "I would not be able to do anything as a mayor."[448]
Duterte considers his close friend, pastor
Apollo Quiboloy of the
Kingdom of Jesus Christ, as his spiritual adviser.[449][450] Duterte would become estate administrator of the properties KJC in March 2024 following Senate inquiries launched against the church and Quiboloy.[391]
Health
Duterte has
Buerger's disease, an inflammation of blood vessels, mostly in the limbs, and
Barrett's esophagus, wherein esophageal cells are gradually replaced by gastrointestinal cells. He has denied rumors of
throat cancer.[451]
Duterte admitted in December 2016 that he had been a user of the addictive
opioid drug
Fentanyl. He said that a doctor prescribed the drug to alleviate back pain and headaches, but that he would take more than he was prescribed.[452] Fentanyl is described by the US
National Institute on Drug Abuse as "a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic that is similar to
morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent".[453] Duterte later denied that he was a drug addict, and a spokesman stated that he was not affected by side-effects of the drug, which include confusion, anxiety and
hallucinations.[454]
Duterte has boasted about his use of
Viagra: "When I was young, I could do overnight, which is more expensive. When I got old, I could do short time only because I have such a short time left. After one erection, that's it. No more. Without Viagra, it's even more difficult."[455][456]
A psychological assessment of Duterte was commissioned by Natividad Dayan during Duterte's marriage annulment to Elizabeth Zimmerman in July 1998. The result was that Duterte (then Davao City mayor) was found to have "
antisocialnarcissistic personality disorder", exemplified by "gross indifference, insensitivity and self-centeredness", and a "grandiose sense of self-entitlement and manipulative behaviours". According to the assessment, he had a "pervasive tendency to demean, humiliate others and violate their rights and feelings", and was "unable to reflect on the consequences of his actions."[457]
In a speech to the Filipino community in
Russia, Duterte revealed that he has
myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disease, which makes his eye droop.[458][459]
Honors and awards
Duterte declined an honorary doctor of laws degree offered by the
University of the Philippines amid opposition from members of the university.[460] On March 28, 2023, the Davao City Council passed a resolution declaring every March 28—Duterte's birthday—as "Duterte Day" in recognition for the "great and continuing contribution" of Duterte to the city and the Philippines.[461] Duterte received an honorary
Juris Doctor degree from his alma mater, San Beda College of Law, in November 2023.[462]
^According to Duterte, he never left PDP–Laban; he was the Davao City chairman of the Liberal Party in 2009, and was nationally affiliated with the Liberal Party in the 2010 and 2013 elections.[2][3]
^Brothers Facundo & Severo Duterte both married women from Danao; Severo's daughter Beatriz married post-War business magnate Ramon M. Durano, Sr. Their descendants constitute the modern-day political family of the Duranos of
Danao, Cebu. Ramon M. Durano, Sr.'s sister Elisea married Paulo Almendras, and their descendants constitute the modern-day Almendrases of Cebu. One of their descendants,
Jose Rene Almendras is a former
Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (acting).[441]
^"Anti-communist crusader". Manila Standard.
Davao City: Standard Publications, Inc. January 5, 1988. p. 3. Retrieved June 17, 2021. ... former vice mayor Rodrigo Duterte of the Lakas ng Dabaw, a new political party.
^
abDacumos-Lagorza, Kristine (September 1, 2017).
"Defining Davao". LEAGUE Magazine (September–October 2017 Issue: The Local Government Unit Magazine). The League Publishing Company, Inc.: 62.
^Lopez, Melissa Luz (April 16, 2020).
"Duterte open to dropping infrastructure projects for more COVID-19 funding". CNN Philippines. Archived from
the original on October 18, 2020. Retrieved October 18, 2020. The government plans to spend over ₱1 trillion this year on various construction projects, in keeping with the administration's promise to usher in a "Golden Age of Infrastructure" and fill the country's needs for longer and wider roads, convenient train systems, and bigger airports and seaports, to name a few.
^"Philippine death squads very much in business as Duterte set for presidency". Reuters. May 26, 2016. Retrieved September 14, 2016. Human rights groups have documented at least 1,400 killings in Davao that they allege had been carried out by death squads since 1998. Most of those murdered were drug users, petty criminals and street children.
^Maru, Davinci S.; Vestil, Justin K.; Pineda, Oscar C.; Felicitas, Princess Dawn H. (October 22, 2013).
"Davao brings P18M as help to Cebu, Bohol". SunStar Cebu. Archived from
the original on October 25, 2013. Retrieved December 19, 2016.
^"Philippine death squads very much in business as Duterte set for presidency". Reuters. May 26, 2016. Retrieved September 14, 2016. Today, thanks to Duterte's campaigns against drugs and crime, Davao today feels much safer, say the locals. But it still ranks first among 15 Philippine cities for murder and second for rape, according to the national police.
^Maralit, Kristina (September 26, 2020).
"Narcos get virus lull". The Daily Tribune. Archived from
the original on October 4, 2020. Retrieved May 7, 2022. Villanueva last 6 August, or 702 days before the deadline set by President Rodrigo Duterte to eradicate the country's problem with illegal drugs, led the launching of the agency's Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP) which aims to clear the remaining15,388 drug-affected barangays by June 2022.
^Andolong, Ina (June 3, 2016).
"Duterte announces more Cabinet appointments". CNN Philippines. Archived from
the original on June 5, 2016. Retrieved March 14, 2022. He has so far appointed to his Cabinet two other nominees of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF): former Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano as agrarian reform secretary and Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) women's committee head Judy Taguiwalo as secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
^Petty, Martin (November 23, 2016).
"Philippines president vows to free economy 'from clutches' of oligarchs". Reuters. Archived from
the original on November 23, 2016. Retrieved March 4, 2022. The outspoken, populist leader said it was high time to change regulations and liberalize sectors like energy, power and telecoms to make the country more competitive, and give Filipinos better services and a share of the wealth.
^
abMalindog-Uy, Anna (October 11, 2020).
"In Duterte We Trust". The ASEAN Post. Archived from
the original on October 12, 2020. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
^Figueroa, Antonio V. (December 5, 2015).
"The Duterte Bloodline". EDGE Davao. Archived from
the original on September 14, 2016. Retrieved September 14, 2016.