The Enigma of Power, Populism, and Punishment
Rodrigo Roa Duterte has been one of the most polarizing figures in recent Philippine
history — simultaneously reviled by international human rights watchdogs and
lauded at home by many who see him as a man who does what others won’t. His
story is one of contrasts: lawman and lawbreaker, populist and pragmatist, feared
and admired.
Early Roots & Davao City: Forging an Image
Born on March 28, 1945, in Maasin, Southern Leyte, Duterte was raised in
Davao where his father, Vicente Duterte, served as governor. Encyclopedia
Britannica+2Wikipedia+2
He studied political science (Lyceum of the Philippines, 1968) and law (San
Beda College, 1972). Biography+1
From being a lawyer and city prosecutor, he rose through local politics —
vice-mayor, then mayor of Davao City, over several non-consecutive terms
covering over two decades. His tenure there became the proving ground for
his brand of tough talk on crime. Encyclopedia Britannica+2Wikipedia+2
As mayor, Duterte built a reputation for cracking down hard on crime. He was called
“The Punisher” (or “Duterte Harry”) — partly due to alleged links with vigilante
death squads, partly due to his unapologetic rhetoric about violence and law
enforcement. Whether justified or not, many in Davao credited him with making the
city safer and more orderly. Criticism, however, came early from human rights
groups. Encyclopedia Britannica+1
As President (2016–2022): Campaign, Policies, & Contradictions
When Duterte won the presidency in 2016, he campaigned on a promise to rid the
country of drugs, crime, and corruption — slogans that resonated with many
Filipinos frustrated with insecurity and institutional inefficiencies.
Wikipedia+2Encyclopedia Britannica+2
Some of the major features of his administration:
War on Drugs: This remains the most contentious and defining legacy.
Thousands of people died under his administration’s anti-drug operations.
Official figures are in the thousands; human rights groups claim the real
number is much higher. Critics charge that many of these deaths were
extrajudicial, lacking due process. Duterte often embraced both the praise
and the blame. Asian Journal News+3Encyclopedia Britannica+3Wikipedia+3
Infrastructure Boom (“Build, Build, Build”): Duterte pushed large scale
projects — roads, bridges, flood control, airports, seaports — with the goal of
easing congestion, stimulating growth, especially outside Manila, and
improving connectivity. Gulf News+2Encyclopedia Britannica+2
Foreign Policy Shifts: He adopted a more independent stance from
traditional allies. Duterte leaned toward China and Russia, sometimes
clashing with the US over criticism of his human rights record. He attempted
negotiations on maritime disputes but also raised symbolic posturing.
Encyclopedia Britannica+1
Domestic Governance and Rights: Critics say his term saw shrinking
space for dissent, media harassment, legal controversies, and civil liberties
under pressure. Supporters counter that strong measures were necessary to
address crime and corruption. Asian Journal News+3Encyclopedia
Britannica+3Cebu Daily News+3
Recent Developments & Legal Battles
After leaving office in 2022 (constitutionally limited to one term), Duterte's
political influence hasn’t waned. His daughter, Sara Duterte, became Vice
President, and the Duterte family remains deeply involved in local political
structures, especially in Davao. Encyclopedia Britannica+2Wikipedia+2
In a major turn, Duterte was arrested in Manila on March 11, 2025 under a
warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which accuses him of
crimes against humanity related to his anti-drug campaign. Encyclopedia
Britannica+2Reuters+2
Despite his legal woes, he won by a landslide the mayoral race in Davao City
while detained, showing that his local popularity remains strong.
