From drug tsar to ICC detainee: the rise and fall of Rodrigo Duterte

Key Concepts

• War on Drugs: Rodrigo Duterte’s central policy as President of the Philippines, characterized by extrajudicial killings and a harsh crackdown on drug-related crime.
• Extrajudicial Killings (EJKs): Killings carried out by government forces or individuals with their tacit approval, without due process of law.
• International Criminal Court (ICC): An international tribunal that investigates and prosecutes individuals accused of the most serious crimes of international concern, including crimes against humanity.
• Political Dynasties: Families that wield significant political power across multiple generations and positions.
• Davao City: The city where Duterte served as mayor for 22 years, shaping his political identity and approach to governance.
• Mindanao: The southern island of the Philippines, from which Duterte became the first president.

Early Life and Political Rise in Davao

Rodrigo Duterte was born on March 28th, 1945, in the province of Southern Leyte, Philippines. However, his political career took root in Davao City. Initially working as a lawyer and prosecutor, Duterte entered politics as the Vice Mayor of Davao. Following the 1986 People Power Revolution, he ascended to the position of Mayor of Davao, serving seven non-consecutive terms over a period of 22 years. During his time as mayor, Duterte cultivated a reputation for being uncompromisingly tough on crime, particularly drug-related offenses. He directly warned drug pushers, dealers, and perpetrators of heinous crimes to cease their activities, stating, “To the drug pushers, drug dealers, drug suppliers, and perpetrators of heinous crimes, I say again, stop or leave. If you cannot or will not, otherwise you will regret it. Worse still, you may not survive.” This approach became a defining characteristic of his political persona.

Presidency and the War on Drugs (2016-2022)

Duterte’s tough-on-crime stance propelled him to the presidency in 2016, making him the first president from Mindanao and the oldest to assume office at age 71. He immediately prioritized eradicating drug-related crime, initiating a highly controversial “War on Drugs.” This campaign was marked by a significant increase in extrajudicial killings. Supporters, as noted in the transcript, believed Duterte uniquely understood the scale of the drug problem, with one individual stating, “I didn't know that there is really such a huge problem, you know, about about drugs in this country. So I I I think if there's one person who really understood the situation, it's it's the president.”

However, the policy faced intense criticism, particularly from families of victims and human rights organizations. Critics argued the campaign disproportionately targeted the poor, with one voice asserting, “In fact, our position it's not really a war on drugs. its war against the poor.” Data indicates that most victims originated from low-income, high-density communities. Human Rights Watch estimates that the anti-drug campaign resulted in over 12,000 deaths, with over 2,500 attributed to the Philippine National Police.

International Scrutiny and Withdrawal from the ICC

The escalating death toll and allegations of human rights abuses prompted an investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in February 2018. In response, Duterte announced the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC a month later. This action was widely seen as an attempt to shield himself and his administration from potential prosecution.

Post-Presidency and Political Realignment

Despite the controversy, Duterte remained popular after leaving office in 2022. He continued to exert political influence, fostering an alliance with the country’s two most powerful political dynasties. His daughter, Sarah Duterte, ran as the vice-presidential running mate of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and they won the election. However, this alliance soon fractured.

Recent Arrest and Return to Davao

The transcript details a recent incident where Duterte was reportedly “whisked away” to hospital soon after returning to Manila from Hong Kong, with supporters alleging a politically motivated extradition approved by Marcos Jr., described as “really a kidnapping.” This event triggered a strong show of support for Duterte, culminating in his successful bid to return as mayor of Davao City, governing in absentia while his lawyers pursued his release. However, in August 2023, his request for release on health grounds was denied, signaling a potentially lengthy legal battle. Duterte stated, “This will be a long legal uh proceedings. But I say to you, I will continue to serve my country at uh Soviet.”

Logical Connections

The transcript follows a chronological narrative, tracing Duterte’s career from his early days in Davao to his recent legal challenges. It demonstrates how his approach to crime in Davao – characterized by a strongman image and a willingness to use force – shaped his national political agenda and ultimately defined his presidency. The narrative highlights the cyclical nature of his political career, returning to Davao after a period of national leadership. The shift from alliance with Marcos Jr. to a fractured relationship and subsequent return to local politics underscores the volatile nature of Philippine political dynamics.

Synthesis/Conclusion

Rodrigo Duterte’s career exemplifies a complex and controversial figure in Philippine history. His “War on Drugs” remains a deeply divisive issue, lauded by some for its perceived effectiveness in combating crime and condemned by others for its human rights violations. Despite international scrutiny and legal challenges, Duterte continues to wield significant political influence, demonstrating the enduring power of strongman politics in the Philippines. His recent return to the mayoralty of Davao suggests a continued commitment to his long-held political principles and a desire to remain a central figure in Philippine public life.