He declared the intention to pursue an "independent foreign policy", and strengthenedrelations with China andRussia.[27] He initially announced his candidacy forvice president in the2022 election; in October 2021, he said he was retiring from politics. The next month, he filed his candidacy for senator but withdrew it on December 14.[28]
Duterte'spolitical positions have been described aspopulist,[29][30][31] as well asnationalist.[32][33][34] His political success has been aided by his vocal support for theextrajudicial killing of drug users and criminals.[35] His career has sparkednumerous protests and attracted controversy, particularly overhuman rights issues and his controversial comments. Duterte has repeatedly stated that he personally killed criminal suspects during his term as mayor of Davao.[36][37] Extrajudicial killings that were allegedly committed by theDavao Death Squad between 1998 and 2016 during Duterte's mayoralty have also been scrutinized by human-rights groups and theOffice of the Ombudsman.[38][39] The victims were mainly alleged drug users, alleged petty criminals, and street children.[35] TheInternational Criminal Court opened a preliminary investigation into Duterte's drug war in 2018,[40] prompting Duterte to withdraw the Philippines from that body in response.[41] He is the only president in the history of the Philippines not todeclare his assets and liabilities.[42] 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 president since the 1986 revolution.[43][44][45]
Theinvestigation of theInternational Criminal Court (ICC) led toDuterte's arrest and transfer toThe Hague on March 11, 2025, making him the first Philippine president to face an international tribunal and the first Asian leader to face a trial before the ICC.[46][47] Despite this, he was re-elected as the mayor of Davao City in 2025; as he remains in The Hague, his sonBaste is serving in his place as the acting mayor.
Early years
Rodrigo Roa Duterte was born on March 28, 1945, inMaasin, Leyte.[48] His father wasVicente Gonzales Duterte (1911–1968), aCebuano lawyer, and his mother,Soledad Gonzales Roa (1916–2012), was a schoolteacher fromCabadbaran, Agusan and a civic leader, of Chinese and Spanish mestizo descent.[49] Duterte has said that his grandfather was Chinese and hailed fromXiamen inFujian, China.[50] Duterte has four siblings: Eleanor, Jocelyn, Emmanuel and Benjamin.[51]
Duterte's father was mayor ofDanao, Cebu, and subsequently the provincial governor of (the then-undivided)Davao province. Rodrigo's cousinRonald was mayor ofCebu City from 1983 to 1986. Ronald's father, Ramon Duterte, also held that position from 1957 to 1959. The Dutertes consider the Cebu-basedpolitical families of the Durano and the Almendras clan as relatives.[52][53] Duterte also has relatives from the Roa clan in Leyte through his mother's side.[54] Duterte's family lived in Maasin, and in his father's hometown in Danao, until he was four years old.[55] 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 he was a dictator.[56] The Dutertes initially moved toMindanao in 1948 but still went back and forth to the Visayas until 1949.[57] They finally settled in theDavao Region in 1950. Vicente worked as a lawyer engaged in private practice. Soledad worked as a teacher until 1952, when Vicente entered politics.[58]
Duterte obtained a law degree fromSan Beda College of Law in 1972,[62] passing the bar exam in the same year.[63] He worked as a professor in the national police academy, and was a member of an organization called Nationalist Alliance for Justice, Freedom and Democracy. He later served as the OIC vice mayor of Davao City, assisting evacuees from Davao City remote areas and working for the release of soldiers captured by theNew Peoples Army (NPA).[64] Eventually, he 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.[65][66]
Sexual abuse claims
Duterte has claimed he wassexually abused by a priest when he was a minor.[67] After he was challenged by theCatholic 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 (died 1975).[67] TheJesuits 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 ofUS$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, theDiocese 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.[68]
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.[69]
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.[70]
However, in an interview aired on24 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.[71]
As mayor of Davao City, Duterte made efforts to unite the different tribes and political groups in the city. He set a precedent by designating deputy mayors to represent the administrative districts, as well as theLumad andMoro peoples in the city government; this was later copied by other cities in other parts of the Philippines.[64]
In 1998, because he was term-limited to run again for mayor, Duterte ran and won as congressman of the city's1st district underLaban ng Makabayang Masang Pilipino. He was a member of five House committees, namely:National Defense,Public Order and Security,Health,Transportation and Communications, andCooperative Development. He filed 64 measures, including 45 bills, with one enacted into law—Republic Act No. 8969, which declared the third Friday of August a special holiday in Davao City. He expressed disinterest with his new post, describing it as less engaging compared to his time as mayor. He attempted to resign in 1999 after his sonPaolo was accused of mauling a hotel guard, but House SpeakerManny Villar and PresidentJoseph Estrada declined his resignation.[78]
After embarking on a diplomatic trip toBrazil between 2000 and 2001, Duterte made a brief stopover in theUnited States, but as he was about to step out of theLos Angeles International Airport, he was held up by law enforcement officers and interrogated about his travel documents. After the stopover, Duterte never again returned to the United States.[79][80]
In 2001, he was elected mayor of Davao for a fourth unconsecutive term, defeating his former ally, incumbent Mayor Benjamin de Guzman.[81] He was re-elected in 2004, defeating de Guzman for the second time,[82] and in2007 with virtually no opposition.[83] In 2003, Duterte formally laid out the scope of Davao City's Chinatown, the first Chinatown in Mindanao, along the newly renamed Magsaysay Street, while establishing the Davao City Chinatown Development Council to oversee the area's development.[79][84]
Newly elected Davao City Vice Mayor Duterte reading his inaugural speech in June 2010
In 2010, he was elected vice mayor, succeeding his daughterSara, who was elected as mayor.[85]
Duterte was elected unopposed for his seventh term in 2013. In November of that year, Davao City sent rescue and medical teams toTacloban to give aid to the victims ofTyphoon Haiyan (locally known in the country as Typhoon Yolanda). Financial assistance was also given toBohol andCebu forearthquake victims.[86]
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".[87][88] Duterte banned swimsuit competitions in beauty pageants in Davao City.[89] He gained prominence for supporting the first-everGawad 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.[90]
Law and order
Duterte speaks with Davao City residents in 2009.
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 1980s, and is constantly rated as among the safest in the country.[91][13] The city also ranks high in the world according to crowdsourced survey siteNumbeo,[92][93] a narrative that gained currency in the national media, creating a widespread public perception that has been a significant factor in establishing support for hisnationwide drug policy.[94][95][96] The city was also awarded "Most Child-Friendly City for Highly-Urbanized Category" in 1998, 1999, 2013 and 2014.[97][98]
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.[99] Duterte also signed Executive Order No. 04 creating the implementing of rules and regulations for a new comprehensive anti-smoking ordinance.[100] Afirecracker ban was also implemented by the City Council through the support of Duterte.[101] Davao acquired 10 ambulances forcentral 911 intended for medical emergencies and 42 mobile patrol vehicles and motorcycles for the Davao City Police Office.[102] 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.[103]
In September 2015, Duterte was contacted by a restaurant owner inDavao City after a local tourist refused to comply with the city's public anti-smoking ordinance. The then-mayor went to the restaurant and had the tourist choose to be shot at his crotch, have himself imprisoned, or swallow his cigarette butt; the tourist chose the latter and apologized to Duterte.[104] Duterte was then met with criticisms especially from theCommission on Human Rights (CHR).[105]
Duterte has been linked by human rights groups such asAmnesty International andHuman Rights Watch toextrajudicial killings of over 1,400 alleged criminals andstreet children byvigilantedeath squads.[106] 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."[107] Duterte emphasized that the concept of human rights for criminals is Western and should not apply to the Philippines;[108] he further challenged human rights officials to file a case against him if they could provide evidence of his links with vigilante groups.[109]
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 frequently expressed his support for the extrajudicial killings that occurred during his tenure as Davao City mayor, while alternately denying and admitting his links to them.[110][111] During his post-presidency in October 2023, he admitted on his talk show programGikan sa Masa, para sa Masa to using intelligence funds to finance the extrajudicial killings done during his time as mayor.[112][113]
In September 2014, Duterte and former mayors and governors, calling themselves the Mindanao Council of Leaders, advocated for a federalist government.[114] A month later, Duterte attended an event sponsored by the Federal Movement for a Better Philippines inCebu City.[115]
In December 2014, Duterte held a summit entitled "Mindanaons Forging Unity Toward a Federal System of Government".[116]
Prospects of Duterte running for president in the 2016 elections began in February 2015, during which Duterte, then outgoingMayor of Davao City, re-entered thePDP-Laban party, who courted him to run for president.[117] A month later, Duterte emerged as a preferred presidential candidate in aPulse Asia poll; tied with Manila mayor and former presidentJoseph Estrada, Duterte ranked third behind SenatorGrace Poe and frontrunner, Vice PresidentJejomar Binay.[118] In the following months leading to October, however, Duterte repeatedly declined his supporters' clamors for him to run as president because of what he described as a "flawed government system", as well as lack of funds and opposition from his family members—notably, from his daughterSara.[119][120] Additionally, Duterte said he will retire from politics after his mayorship ends, but only if Sara runs as mayor.[120]
PDP-Labanstandard bearerMartin Diño unexpectedly withdrew his candidacy on October 29 and named Duterte as his substitute.[121] A month later, Duterte formally announced his presidential bid and acceptedAlan Peter Cayetano's offer to be his running mate; Duterte also named Sara as his substitute for Mayor of Davao City.[122][123]
Duterte (3rd from right) and allies campaigning inPandacan, Manila on April 23, 2016.
During his campaign, Duterte gained distinction for his emphatic anti-crime message and push to reduce "Imperial Manila's" dominance.[124]: 5 At the same time, he made controversial remarks, including promising to kill tens of thousands of criminals and eradicate crime in six months.[125][126] 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.[126] Duterte also apologized after saying out of anger when recalling the events[127] that he "should have been first" to rape Jacqueline Hamill, an Australian missionary who wasgang-raped and killed during the1989 Davao hostage crisis.[128] 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.[126]
Duterte campaigned fordecentralization and a shift to a federal government during the 2016 presidential election.[125] In an October 2014 forum organized byFederal Movement for a Better Philippines inCebu City prior to joining the presidential race, the then-mayor of Davao City called for the creation of two federal states forMoro people as a solution to the problems besettingMindanao.[129] Mayor Duterte said thatNur Misuari and hisMoro National Liberation Front do not see eye-to-eye with theMoro Islamic Liberation Front which the administration of PresidentBenigno Aquino III had inked a peace deal with. He also said that the "template of theBangsamoro 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.[130] In a dialogue with theMakati Business Club prior to the elections, Duterte said he is open to "toning down the Constitution" to accommodate more foreign investors to the Philippines.[131] 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".[131]
Duterte's election victory was attributed to growing public dissatisfaction on the perceived failures of administrations that followed the1986 EDSA Revolution.[136] It was also aided by a strong social media and grassroots fanbase[137][124]: 8–10 and the endorsement of the influentialIglesia ni Cristo, known for itsblock-voting.[138]
Duterte made moves to limitUS 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 PresidentBarack Obama, the US government, theUnited Nations, and theEuropean 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.[148][149]
Duterte takes hisoath of office as the 16th president of the Philippines on June 30, 2016.
Duterte adjusted to working and residing at theMalacañang Palace by dividing his workweek between Manila and Davao City, spending three days in each city and utilizing theMalacañang of the South while in Davao.[153]
Duterte's socioeconomic policies, referred to asDuterteNomics, include tax reform, infrastructure development, social protection programs, and other policies to promote economic growth and human development in the country.[157][158]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 achievehigh-income economy status within a generation. The termDuterteNomics was coined to describe the economic policy of the Duterte administration.
Duterte initiated liberal economic reforms to attract foreign investors.[159] 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.[160] 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.[161]
Duterte reformed the country's tax system in an effort to make the country's tax system fairer, simpler, and more efficient.[162] In December 2017, he signedTax 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 higherexcise taxes on vehicles, sugar-sweetened beverages, petroleum products, tobacco and other non-essential goods.[163] Revenues collected from the TRAIN law will help fund the administration's massiveinfrastructure program.[164][165] 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 percentcorporate income tax rate to 25 percent for firms with assets above₱100 million and to 20 percent for smaller firms.[166] Duterte raisedsin taxes on tobacco and vapor products in July 2019, and alcohol beverages andelectronic cigarettes in January 2020, to fund the Universal Health Care Act and reduce incidence of deaths and diseases associated with smoking and alcohol consumption.[167][168]
Duterte's tax reform program has garnered both support and criticism. Critics have argued that the administration's tax policy would burden the poor.[169] 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.[170] However, proponents of the program cite its appeal to foreign investors and economic benefits as the main reasons behind tax reform.
To reduce poverty, encourage economic growth, and reduce congestion inMetro Manila, the Duterte administration launched its comprehensive infrastructure program,Build, Build, Build,[172] on April 18, 2017.[173] The program, which forms part ofthe administration's socioeconomic policy,[172] aimed to usher in the country's "Golden Age of Infrastructure" by increasing the share of spending on public infrastructure in the country'sgross domestic product (GDP) from 5.4 percent in 2017 to 7.4 percent in 2022.[174][175] The administration, in 2017, shifted its infrastructure funding policy frompublic-private partnerships (PPPs) of previous administrations to government revenues andofficial development assistance (ODA), particularly from Japan and China,[176] but has since October 2019 engaged with the private sector for additional funding.[177][178]
The administration revised its list of Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs) under the Build, Build, Build program from 75 to 100 in November 2019,[179][180] then to 104, and finally, to 112 in 2020,[181] expanding its scope to include health, information and communications technology, and water infrastructure projects to support the country's economic growth and recovery from theCOVID-19 pandemic. Some major projects include[180] the Subic-Clark Railway,[182] theNorth–South Commuter Railway fromNew Clark City toCalamba, Laguna,[182] theMetro Manila Subway,[183] the expansion ofClark International Airport[182] theMindanao Railway (Tagum-Davao-Digos Segment),[184] and theLuzon Spine Expressway Network[185][186] 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.[181]
From June 2016 to July 2021, a total of 29,264 kilometers (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.[187][188]
Duterte placed thePhilippines' illegal drugs problem at the forefront of his presidential campaign, warning the Philippines was at risk of becoming anarco-state.[189] Upon entering office, Duterte began a nationwide crackdown against illegal drugs. At the forefront of the campaign's operations wasOplan Tokhang, which involved policemen knocking on the doors of suspected drug users and inviting them to surrender.[190] Some described the anti-drug campaign as a form ofgenocide against drug users, in part due to Duterte's early comparison of himself toAdolf Hitler.[191][192][193] Among Duterte's early actions included naming three Chinese nationals as allegeddrug lords in the Philippines,[194] calling for assistance from theNew Peoples Army to join the crackdown,[195] andpublicly naming 150 public officials allegedly involved in the drug trade.[196]
Concerns arose worldwide due to the rising death toll during police operations,[197] and drug suspects reportedly fighting back ("nanlaban") was a common alibi of several policemen involved.[198] At the height of the drug crackdown in his early presidency, Duterte urged the policemen to kill drug addicts,[199] promising to pardon them for performing their duties;[200][201] Duterte's call prompted thousands to surrender,[190][149] and observers noted this assurance may have emboldened the police to allegedly execute suspects and plant evidence on them.[202] In August 2016, opposition SenatorLeila de Lima launched a probe intoextrajudicial killings, focusing on cases that took place during Duterte's tenure as mayor of Davao City. De Lima presented as witness an alleged member of Davao City-based vigilante groupDavao Death Squad,Edgar Matobato, who testified that Duterte was involved in extrajudicial killings in the city. Duterte dismissed the claims as a lie,[203] and the Senate probe was terminated on October 13, 2016, for lack of evidence.[204] Shortly after, Duterte implicated De Lima in the illegal drug trade during her tenure as Justice Secretary under the Aquino III administration. Though De Lima denied the claims, she was later imprisoned in February 2017 due to thedrug charges.[205] Two months later, Matobato's lawyer, Jude Josue Sabio, filed charges forcrimes against humanity with theInternational Criminal Court against Duterte and 11 other officials.[206]
Responding to public clamor, in October 2017, Duterte designated thePhilippine Drug Enforcement Agency to lead anti-drug operations and temporarily barred the police from joining the raids.[207][208] Through an executive order he issued in October 2018, Duterte instituted a more balanced approach to the drug problem by establishing the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy, which ordered all government departments andstate universities and colleges to implement their own strategies in tackling the country's illegal drug trade; the order also urged local government units, non-government organizations, and private institutions to support and implement the Strategy.[209]
Protesters against theWar on Drugs gather in front of the Philippine Consulate General inNew York City on October 11, 2016.
Duterte campaigned to eliminate illegal drugs in the country within three to six months, but later acknowledged he miscalculated the severity of the problem as he based his approach to that ofDavao City during his tenure as the city's mayor. Stating it would take him his entire term to eradicate it, he cited the difficulty in border control due to the country's fragmented geography and lamented that several government officials and law enforcers were involved in drug trafficking.[210] Before leaving office, he implored president-electBongbong Marcos to continue tackling the illegal drug problem,[211] but declined an appointment offer as Marcos'drug czar, expressing a desire to retire.[212] By the end of Duterte's term, the number of drug suspects killed since Duterte took office was officially tallied by the government as 6,252;[213] human rights groups, however, claim drug casualties reached as high as 12,000 to 30,000.[214]
Various international publications and media companies had claimed that Duterte's anti-drugs campaign was a war against the poor due to the abject poverty of those arrested or killed.[215][216] On June 19, 2018, 38United Nations member states released a collective statement through theUnited Nations Human Rights Council, calling on the Philippines and Duterte to end the killings in the war on drugs and cooperate in investigating human rights abuses.[217][218] Though many human rights note that Duterte's war on drugs was a stain on his legacy,[219] the anti-narcotics drive received domestic approval during his term,[220][221][222] and 58% of the country's barangays were declared by the government cleared of illegal drugs by February 2022.[223][224]
In April 2017, a case was filed by lawyer Jude Sabio before theInternational Criminal Court (ICC), charging Duterte and 11 other officials withcrimes against humanity in relation to the deaths of the controversial war on drugs; in response, outgoing ICC chief prosecutorFatou Bensouda in early 2018 launched a preliminary examination into the charges against the accused. This prompted Duterte in March 2018 to initiate the withdrawal of the Philippines from the ICC,[225] which took effect a year later, on March 17, 2019.[226] Duterte rebuked the idea of allowing foreigners to meddle in the country's justice system and his administration emphasized that cases against him should be filed before the national courts.[227][226] Additionally, he argued that theRome Statute, which was ratified by the Senate in 2011, was never binding in the Philippines as it was never published in theOfficial Gazette, a requirement for a law in the country to take effect.[228] For its part, the ICC reiterated that it maintains jurisdiction over crimes which took place before the withdrawal.[226]
Stating that his 2017 case was an orchestrated move by theLiberal Party, notably SenatorsAntonio Trillanes andLeila de Lima, to discredit Duterte, Sabio retracted his allegations in January 2020 and requested the ICC to dismiss the case.[229] The ICC rejected Sabio's request and asserted that it "cannot effectively destroy or return information once it is in its possession or control".[230] Meanwhile, Duterte's ICC withdrawal was challenged before theSupreme Court by three petitions filed by the Philippine Coalition for the ICC, theIntegrated Bar of the Philippines, and opposition senators; though the Court in March 2021 ultimately dismissed all three cases on the grounds that the petitioners were unable to establish legal standing to challenge the ICC withdrawal, the Court ruled that the President has no "unbridled authority" to withdraw from treaties.[231]
The ICC, on September 16, 2021, eventually authorized a formal investigation into the war on drugs[232] in the Philippines, focusing on crimes committed between 2016 and March 2019.[233] In response, the Philippine government in November 2021 requested a deferral of the probe, which was suspended by the ICC to assess the request.[234] Four days before Duterte left office, however, ICC prosecutorKarim Ahmad Khan requested the pre-trial chamber of the ICC to immediately resume the investigation after concluding that the deferral request was "not warranted".[235] The succeeding Marcos administration initially declined to allow any ICC probe in the country due to sovereignty issues;[236] however, due to tensions between the Duterte and Marcos political families, the Marcos administration is seen as increasingly open to cooperating with the ICC.[237][238] Duterte stated he remained unfazed at the threat of arrest, saying he would rather "die first" before facing a foreign court.Salvador Panelo, who served as Duterte's chief legal counsel, alleged that Duterte's political opponents were using the ICC as a "political and propaganda apparatus".[239]
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.[240]
Duterte was endorsed in the election byMoro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari[241] due to his background in Mindanao.[242] Other Muslims also supported Duterte and denounced Roxas, the Aquino-supported pick.[243]
On November 6, 2016, Duterte signed an executive order to expand theBangsamoro 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 theFramework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.[244]
Duterte signed theBangsamoro Organic Law on July 26, 2018,[245][246] which abolished theAutonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and provided for the basic structure of government for theBangsamoro 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.[247]
Duterte welcomes Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad following his release fromAbu Sayyaf captivity.
At the start of 2016, experts warned the Philippines was at risk of having theIslamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) set a foothold in the country.[249] However, Duterte's predecessor, President Aquino III, dismissed the perpetrators of a March 2016 armed attack against the military as mere "mercenaries" wanting to join the ISIS.[250][251] The earliest terrorist attacks in Duterte's presidency occurred inSeptember 2016 inDavao City;November 2016 inButig, Lanao del Sur; and inApril to May 2017 inInabanga, Bohol, where theAbu Sayyaf Group (ASG) attempted to establish a position in the Visayas.[252] Though the military eventually quelled the sieges,[252][253] the events were only a prelude to what would become Duterte's greatest challenge in combating terrorism.[254]
On May 23, 2017, Duterte was in his first state visit to Russia, where he met Russian presidentVladimir Putin to realign the Philippines's foreign policy away from the United States; among his top priorities in the trip included the acquisition of Russian-made munitions to use against Islamic militants in restive Mindanao.[255] At that time, the Philippine military was in an operation to capture ASG leaderIsnilon Hapilon. Duterte cut short his trip and flew back to the Philippines after theMaute Group, which pledged allegiance to the ISIS,occupied the city ofMarawi inLanao del Sur. Upon returning, Dutertedeclared Martial law across Mindanao and ordered a major offensive on the city to retake it.[256][257] The battle, which lasted for five months, became the country's longest urban warfare; the city, particularly the downtown area, was left in ruins,[258] largely due to militant fire and military airstrikes,[259][260] necessitatingrehabilitation.[261] Hapilon andOmar Maute were eventually killed, and on October 17, Duterte declared the city liberated from terrorist influence.[259]
Citing the danger posed by Islamic terrorists, Congress, upon Duterte's requests, thrice granted the extension of martial law in Mindanao between 2017 and 2019.[262][263][264] The moves drew criticism, particularly from rights groups, who claimed that the extensions were part of a campaign on stifling dissent.[265] By the end of 2019, martial law in Mindanao lapsed, after which Duterte decided not to have it extended.[266] In July 2020, Duterte signed theAnti-Terrorism Act of 2020,[267] which expanded the powers of the government to address the country's growing security challenges. In its enactment, the law repealed theHuman Security Act of 2007, which was described by the 2020 law's proponents as weak and inadequate.[268][269]: 54–55 However, the 2020 law received intense criticism, notably from the academia and rights groups, for allegedly being prone to abuse; a total of 37 petitions were filed by several groups asking the Supreme Court to have the law nullified,[269]: 60 making the law the most assailed legislation in Philippine history;[270] the Court ultimately upheld the validity of the law in December 2021, but struck two of the law's provisions.[271]
As Duterte's term approached its end, the military intensified its efforts against Islamic terrorists, which continued to carry a series of attacks in Mindanao and Sulu;[272] notable among these attacks involved suicide bombing, a tactic not commonly used by Filipino terrorists.[269]: 55 In February 2021, Duterte created the National Amnesty Commission, which would processamnesty applications of former rebels and determine their eligibility.[273] Additionally, he expanded his administration's reintegration program to include formerviolent extremists.[274] From 2016 to 2021, 1,544 ASG members, 971Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters members, and 1,427Dawlah Islamiyah members were reportedly captured, killed, or surrendered.[275]
Communist insurgency
Duterte described himself as left-leaning during his presidential campaign.[276] As he initially had good relations with the left,[277] he received campaign support from leftist groups, particularly in Mindanao.[278] Duterte was a student ofCommunist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founderJose Maria Sison atLyceum of the Philippines University, and Sison stated during the election campaign that Duterte was "the best President the Philippines can have since Marcos".[279]
Upon Duterte's election into office, prospects of restarting peace talks between the Philippine government and the CPP-NPA-NDF, which stalled in 2011, gained momentum.[277] Duterte temporarily released several communist prisoners, notably couples CPP-NPA chairmanBenito and CPP-NPA secretary-generalWilma Tiamzon, to join the peace talks in Oslo.[280][281] In addition, Duterte offered positions for left-leaning activists in his administration, notably in four executive departments:Agrarian Reform,Environment and Natural Resources,Social Welfare and Development, andLabor and Employment.[278] In the months leading to 2017, however, the Duterte administration and the CPP accused each other of not being faithful to the ongoing peace negotiations.[282] The CPP demanded from the administration the release of around 130 political detainees, which—along proposals of the CPP to form a "coalition government"—[283][284] Duterte declined.[282] Additionally, several leftists appointed by Duterte were rejected by theCommission on Appointments, while others resigned or were fired by Duterte amidst the tense relations.[285][286] Compounding these were the continued clashes between the military and the NPA and the alternate declaration and lifting of ceasefire amid the ongoing peace talks;[287][288]
Duterte (2nd from right) presides over a meeting with theNTF-ELCAC at theMalacañang Palace on April 15, 2019.
On February 6, 2017, Duterte, citing continued attacks by the NPA on the military, formally terminated peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA-NDF, designated them as aterrorist organization[289] and ordered the arrest of all NDF negotiators.[290] Through an executive order he issued in December 2018, Duterte established theNational Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), an inter-agency body that involved awhole-of-nation approach—from the national to local level—[291] in addressing the root causes of communism.[292] The NTF-ELCAC worked in close coordination with the military and focused on developing far-flung localities infiltrated by the NPA.[293] Duterte also granted amnesty to former communist rebels[248] and launched reintegration programs to support them and their families.[294][274] Ultimately, in March 2019, he permanently terminated peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA-NDF, facilitating localized peace talks with the rebels.[295][296]
Duterte left office with the number of NPAguerrilla fronts in the country reduced from 89 to 23,[297] and about 20,579 communist rebels reportedly surrendered from 2016 to 2021.[298] Despite its success in reducing communist insurgency in the country,[297] Duterte's administration was marred by numerous allegations ofred-tagging, notably the left-leaningMakabayan Bloc; Duterte and the military dismissed the red-tagging accusations and argued the government was merely "identifying" them ascommunist fronts.[299] Duterte also received criticism after he threatened to order the military in mid-2017 to bombLumad schools, which he and the military suspected to shelter rebels and teach subversion.[300] Additionally, the military and the NTF-ELCAC were denounced after they cited clandestine recruitment activities by the communist rebels within university campuses nationwide, notably in both state-runUniversity of the Philippines andPolytechnic University of the Philippines.[301][302]Several human rights organizations called on the succeedingBongbong Marcos administration to abolish the NTF-ELCAC due to continued red-tagging allegations; the calls, however, were rejected by Marcos.[303]
When news about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) spread around the world, Duterte initially understated the threat of the disease and urged the public to refrain from incitinganti-Chinese sentiment, which at that time saw a global rise.[304] The first reported COVID-19 case in the Philippines was on January 30, 2020,[305] prompting Duterte to issue bans on the entry of Chinese nationals from China[306][307] and calling for calm.[308] Duterte changed his tune in March, during which he placed the Philippines under a State of National Calamity[309] and ordereda lockdown in Luzon.[310] His administration opted to use what it described as "draconian measures" to control the contagion,[311] and Duterte employed the military and police to enforce the public's strict adherence to quarantine and health protocols.[312][313]
As countries were scrambling in securing COVID-19 vaccines for their own citizens, Duterte called for patience amid criticism.[314] To expedite vaccine procurement, Duterte rejected creating a committee and designatedCarlito Galvez Jr. as "vaccine czar", who had the gargantuan task of acquiring vaccines from other countries.[315] Additionally, Duterte personally requested vaccines from world leaders, notably Chinese presidentXi Jinping and Russian PresidentVladimir Putin.[316][317] China and Russia responded favorably,[318] and the Duterte administration startedits vaccination program on March 1, 2021, a day after receiving 600,000CoronaVac vaccines sent by the Chinese government.[319] Duterte also used theUS-Philippines Visiting Forces Agreement as leverage in securing vaccines from the United States, threatening to scrap the military pact.[320] In addition, in an apparent effort to help the Philippines gain access to US-developed vaccines, Duterte granted absolute pardon to US soldier Joseph Scott Pemberton, who was serving prison forkilling transgender Jennifer Laude in 2014.[321]
Duterte shows anAstraZeneca-developed COVID-19 vaccine vial following a ceremonial turnover inPasay City on March 4, 2021.
At the height of the pandemic in mid-2021, the Philippines was a COVID-19 hotspot in Asia;vaccine hesitancy was a problem, and many citizens opted to wait for Western vaccines to arrive. In exasperation, Duterte urged the public to undergo vaccination, threatening to arrest unvaccinated individuals and order local leaders to compile a list of defiant residents.[314] In May 2021, to encourage the public that vaccines were safe, Duterte—acting on the advice of his doctor—publicly took theSinopharm BIBP vaccine before it was approved for use by the PhilippineFood and Drug Administration;[322] his move, however, drew criticism since the general public had access to CoronaVac vaccines, which the public majority perceived to have lower efficacy. The backlash prompted Duterte to apologize, acknowledge the possibility of the Sinopharm vaccine's multiple side effects, and decide to pull out the vaccines.[323] The public's prejudice against China's CoronaVac was later revealed in aReuters 2024 report as the outcome ofa US government-launched covert propaganda and disinformation campaign that aimed to erode the public's trust in China-developed vaccines.[324]
Duterte gradually relaxed quarantine restrictions to revive the economy.[325] Upon leaving office, Duterte's administration secured 245 million vaccine doses; about 70.5 million individuals had been fully vaccinated.[326] Over 3.7 million COVID-19 cases were recorded since the onset of the pandemic, 3.69 million people had recovered from the disease, while 8,706 active cases remained.[327] Though his administration successfully reached its target of vaccinating 70% of the Philippine population,[328][329] Duterte, along with Health SecretaryFrancisco Duque III, was implicated ina scandal involving allegedly overpriced medical supplies and equipment. Critics highlighted that Duterte's administration purchased pandemic supplies from Pharmally Pharmaceutical, a company linked to Duterte's former economic adviser, Michael Yang. Duterte rejected the corruption allegations and emphasized that the supplies at the time of purchase were in high demand, hence, the high prices.[330] A Senate probe, headed bySenate Blue Ribbon Committee chairmanRichard Gordon, was initiated in August 2021 for alleged irregularities in the use of COVID-19 response funds amounting to₱67 billion.[331] A month before Duterte left office, Gordon released a draft report on the probe, which claimed that Duterte "betrayed public trust" for appointing Yang as economic adviser in 2018, prohibited his Cabinet and other officials from attending the hearings, and allegedly discredited the Senate andCommission on Audit.[332] The report, however, failed to reach the Senateplenary for deliberation after it was signed by nine senators out of the 11 required signatures.[333][334]
Energy and climate
The Duterte administration initially adopted a "technology neutral" policy in energy generation.[335] Earlier in his term, Duterte stressed thatcoal remains the most viable source of energy if the Philippines is to accelerate industrialization,[336] and questioned thesanctions imposed by the United States and European Union on smaller countries including the Philippines when the country'scarbon footprint is not significant compared to the superpowers.[337]
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.[335] On January 21, 2022, he signed a law promoting the use ofmicrogrid systems in unserved and underserved areas to accelerate total electrification of the country.[344] The administration made initiatives to liberalize the energy sector,[338][345] allowing 100% foreign ownership in large-scalegeothermal projects starting October 2020.[346][347]
Duterte signed theParis Agreement on Climate Change in March 2017, after initially having misgivings about the deal which he says might limit the country's industrialization.[348] The Agreement was ratified by theSenate on March 15, 2017.[349] Duterte said that rich countries producing the mostcarbon emissions must pay smaller countries for damage caused byclimate change.[350]
Duterte introduced reforms to eliminatered tape in the government,[351] and ordered government agencies to remove all processes which are "redundant or burdensome" to the public.[352] Three weeks after assuming office, he issued his second executive order establishingFreedom of Information, allowing citizens to obtain documents and records from public offices under theexecutive branch to promote transparency in the government.[353][354]
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.[355][356] 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 ofnational emergency.[357]
Duterte institutionalized the8888 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.[358]
Health care
Duterte vowed to improve thehealth care system,[359][360] certifying the Universal Healthcare Bill as an urgent measure as early as July 2018.[361] In February 2019, he signed the Universal Health Care Act, which automatically enrolls all Filipinos under thegovernment's health insurance program.[362] He also enacted the National Integrated Cancer Control Act which establishes a "national integrated" program to control and preventcancer by making treatment more accessible and affordable,[363][364] and the Philippine Mental Health Law, which provides freemental health services down to thebarangay level while requiring hospitals to provide psychiatric, psychosocial and neurologic services.[365][366]
In December 2019, Duterte signed a law institutionalizingMalasakit Centers in all hospitals run by theDepartment of Health, allowing indigent patients to efficiently access financial medical assistance from various government agencies.[367]
Duterte signed theUniversal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act in August 2017, providing free college education in allstate universities and colleges nationwide.[371] He signed a law establishingtransnational 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.[372][373] 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.[374]
Duterte approved in January 2021 a law institutionalizing thealternative learning system (ALS), providing free education to those out of school.[375][376] In March 2022, he enacted a law granting inclusive education for learners withdisabilities.[377]
The Duterte administration has vowed to pursue what it describes as an "independent foreign policy" that would reject any meddling by foreign governments, reiteratingArticle 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 nationalsovereignty,territorial integrity,national interest, and the right toself-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."[27]
Duterte made his first international trips as president toVientiane, Laos andJakarta, Indonesia on September 5–9, 2016.[379]
Duterte pursued improved relations withChina andRussia,[380] and lessened the country's dependence on its traditional ally – theUnited States.[381][382] He has adopted a cautious, pragmatic, and conciliatory stance towards China compared to his predecessor,[383] and has set aside theprevious administration's confrontational policy of asserting the Philippines'claims over theSouth China Sea and its islands.[384]
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 theterritorial disputes in theSouth China Sea.[385][386] Also, while the United States is one of the countries critical to Philippine drug war campaign,[387][388][389] most of the militant groups[390] – particularly left-wing groups[391] – also criticize Philippine-US relations due to the United States' "imperialism"[391][392] andneoliberal policies.[393]
On May 31, 2016, a few weeks before his presidential inauguration, Duterte named hisCabinet,[394] which consisted of former military generals, childhood friends, classmates, andleftist politicians.[395] Following his presidential inauguration, he administered a mass oath-taking for his Cabinet officials, and held his first Cabinet meeting on June 30.[396][397] He appointed his long-time personal aideBong Go asSpecial Assistant to the President to provide general supervision to thePresidential Management Staff.[398]
Duterte (left) endorsesBong Go, who filed his certificate of candidacy for vice president on October 2, 2021.
Initially stating that he "sees nobody deserving" to replace him as the next president,[399] Duterte in August 2021 announced he would run for vice president in the upcoming2022 national elections,[400] drawing suspicions from critics that he would extend his term.[401][402] Duterte's political party, the PDP–Laban Cusi faction, named itsstandard bearer: formerPhilippine National Police chief and SenatorRonald dela Rosa,[403] who was widely suspected to be a placeholder for Duterte's daughter, Davao City mayorSara.[404] Duterte later withdrew his candidacy, announced his retirement from politics, and had his long-time aide, SenatorBong Go, substitute him.[405]
Despite polls showing she was the preferred candidate for presidency, Sara decided to settle for the vice presidential race.[406] This prompted dela Rosa to withdraw his candidacy, which Go would later fill in.[407] Sara's move had Duterte dismayed and he initially retracted his planned retirement, announcing he would run for vice president.[406] Ultimately, he decided not to face his daughter, endorsed a Go–Sara tandem, and declared his intent on running as Senator.[408][409] However, Sara decidedto run in tandem withBongbong Marcos, who announced his presidential candidacy.[410] Stating his heart and mind contradicted his actions, Go later withdrew his presidential candidacy;[411] shortly after, Duterte officially withdrew his senate bid.[412]
Duterte in November 2021 describes presidential aspirantBongbong Marcos as acocaine user and "very weak leader".[413]
Due to his high popularity, Duterte remained influential before the national elections as several presidential candidates were open to his endorsement.[414][415][416] As the Cusi faction was left without a standard bearer following Go's withdrawal, allies of Duterte endorsed different candidates. The Cusi faction eventually endorsed presidential candidate Marcos and some officials called for Duterte to do the same.[417][418] Stressing he would remain neutral, Duterte refused to heed their calls and insisted on endorsing only Sara as vice president and 17 senatorial candidates.[419][420] Additionally, in an effort to protect their integrity, Duterte barred his Cabinet members from campaigning for any candidate.[421][422] Despite non-endorsement, Duterte hinted on the next president's preferred qualities: decisive, compassionate, a good judge of a person, and preferably, a lawyer;[417] this led a PDP-Laban official to believe Duterte gave a "virtual endorsement" for Vice PresidentLeni Robredo, who was Marcos' chief rival in the presidential race.[423] 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.[424][417]
Duterte (right) witnessesSara's oath of office as vice president in Davao City on June 19, 2022.
By May 5, 2022, Duterte createda transition committee led by Executive SecretarySalvador Medialdea to oversee the transition of power to the next administration.[425] Several analysts believe Duterte had his popularity "inherited" by Marcos and Sara, who both wonlandslides in the election.[426]
On March 16, 2017, opposition politician Gary Alejano filed an impeachment complaint against Duterte citing thousands of deaths in Duterte'santi-drug campaign, alleged leadership of vigilante groupDavao Death Squad, and allegations of graft and corruption.[427][428] Alejano, on March 30, filed a supplemental complaint over Duterte's alleged inaction and "defeatist stance" in the South China Sea,Scarborough Shoal, and Benham Rise.[429][430] On May 15, theHouse 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.[431][432]
Post-presidency (2022–present)
At the end of his presidency, Duterte returned toDavao City and kept a low profile.[433][434] Former PresidentGloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a political ally of Duterte, convinced him in September 2023 to actively participate in the Philippine political landscape.[435] In January 2023, Duterte resumed hosting his weekly show,Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa (From the Masses, For The Masses), onSMNI; co-hosted by Duterte's friend and spiritual adviser PastorApollo Quiboloy, Duterte would speak about current political issues besetting the country.[436] Some of Duterte's strong statements in the show, such as his opposition to the expansion of theEnhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the Philippines, attracted attention and were covered by the media.[437][438][439]
2023 visit to China
Duterte and President Bongbong Marcos meet inMalacañang Palace on August 2, 2023.
In July 2023, amidescalating tensions in the South China Sea, Chinese PresidentXi Jinping invited Duterte to Beijing. During the meeting, Xi asked Duterte to "play an important role" in improving Philippine-China relations, which were rapidly deteriorating under the Marcos administration that sought to gravitate towards the United States by expanding the number of bases American troops can access under the EDCA.[440] As the meeting did not involve the Marcos administration, the event gained much attention, and the administration wanted details of the Xi-Duterte discussion.[441][442] Duterte visited Malacanang Palace later and, in a closed-door session, discussed the matter with Marcos, though no further details were provided to the media.[443]
Feud with the House and Marcos-Duterte rift
A rift between the Duterte and Marcos families had begun underHouse SpeakerMartin Romualdez' leadership.[444] In the House of Representatives, unconfirmed reports of Deputy House Speaker Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo allegedly attempting to unseat Romualdez as House Speaker circulated. Despite Arroyo dismissing the accusations, Arroyo was later demoted by the House from her senior deputy Speaker position.[445][446]
Duterte's daughter, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara, subsequently resigned from the Romualdez-ledLakas-CMD[447] and, in a veiled reference to Romualdez, called him a "tambaloslos"[448] (A term that can be interpreted as a joke or as an insult, depending on context). In October 2023, Sara requested Congress for the allocation of confidential funds for theoffice of the vice president (OVP) and theeducation department which can be used for theReserve Officers' Training Corps program. Her requests came under intense scrutiny by the Senate and also the House, which was dominated by Romualdez' allies. Congress ultimately rejected her appeals[449] while swiftly approving the confidential funds of theOffice of the President;[450] Sara eventually dropped her requests, reasoning that the move was being "divisive".[451]
In the aftermath of events, Duterte criticized the House[452] for denying his daughter's confidential funds; alleging a collusion between Romualdez and the left-wingMakabayan bloc,[449] he demanded anaudit of the House under Romualdez.[453] Duterte's comments offended some House members[454] including Romualdez,[455] prompting the House to issue a loyalty checkresolution in support of Romualdez; Duterte's political allies, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and CongressmanIsidro Ungab, were later expelled by the House from their Deputy House Speaker positions for failing to sign the House resolution.[456] Several House members also pledged support for Romualdez,[456] including a majority of members of Duterte's political party,PDP-Laban, whoswitched parties mostly to the Romualdez-ledLakas-CMD.[457][458] AfterACT Teachers RepresentativeFrance Castro of theMakabayan Bloc pushed to remove the OVP and education department's confidential funds, Duterte urged Sara to reveal the use of such funds, which included the supposed killing of communists such as Castro.[454] In response, Castro filed a legal case against Duterte for labeling her as a communist rebel and allegedly threatening her life;[459] Castro's legal case was later denied by the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office due to insufficient evidence.[460]
SMNI suspension and ICC investigation
Despite sustained domestic popularity,[461][462] Duterte found himself increasingly politically isolated. SMNI, which hosted his talk showGikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa, was later suspended (first for 30 days,[463] and later indefinitely)[464] by theNational Telecommunications Commission on grounds of alleged dissemination of fake information.[465] Gikan was also suspended after ACT Teachers Representative France Castro filed a complaint against Duterte for allegedly threatening her life during one of the shows.[466] Duterte initially intended to speak to Marcos about the SMNI suspension issue as it has affected his talk show,[467] decrying the suspension ascensorship.[468] Additionally, theLiberal Party, who opposed Marcos' 2022 presidential campaign, were increasingly silent in criticizing the Marcos administration, instead, directing criticism at Duterte and his daughter, Vice President Sara.[469] Duterte and his former aide, SenatorBong Go, also faced alleged plunder charges initiated in July 2024 by Duterte's staunch critic, former Senator Antonio Trillanes.[470]
The Marcos administration also was seen as altering its stance, albeit discreetly, on controversial issues hounding Duterte.[237] Despite Marcos' early assurance of the Philippines' non-cooperation on the loomingInternational Criminal Court (ICC) investigation on Duterte's war on drugs, conflicting statements and moves by House Speaker Romualdez,[471] the House,[472] Marcos' Justice SecretaryCrispin Remulla and Solicitor GeneralMenardo Guevarra muddled the administration's official stance.[238][473] In addition, Marcos limited his position on the matter through oral statements and avoided issuing an executive order formalizing his stance.[237] There were also unconfirmed reports, including by former Senator Antonio Trillanes, stating that ICC members had already entered the Philippines and were already secretly conducting the investigation.[474] A House probe initiated in April 2024 by Romualdez into a "status quo" agreement in the South China Sea Duterte made during his presidency with Chinese president Xi Jinping was also seen as a "political payback" to Duterte's verbal attacks on Marcos and diminish Duterte's political influence ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.[475] Amidst growing isolation, Duterte found allies who were previously loyal to Marcos. Among them were Marcos' longtime lawyer,Vic Rodriguez, who served as executive secretary in Marcos' first 79 days before resigning;[476] and Marcos' sister, SenatorImee Marcos.[477]
On March 11, 2025, Duterte was arrested upon his arrival atNinoy Aquino International Airport by the Filipino police, which enforced an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.[478]
Quiboloy's arrest order and Duterte as KOJC administrator
On March 9, 2024, Duterte's longtime friend andKingdom of Jesus Christ leader, PastorApollo Quiboloy, was ordered arrested by the United StatesFederal Bureau of Investigation after his conviction by a US District Court for alleged cases of sex trafficking, rape, fraud, and cash smuggling.[479] Noextradition request was received by the Marcos administration for Quiboloy's arrest,[480] although a probe in the Senate was previously initiated on January 23 by SenatorRisa Hontiveros, who invited Quiboloy to attend the hearings.[481] Quiboloy demanded a fair trial as a requirement to attend,[482] though this was rebuked by Hontiveros and Marcos.[483][484] Claiming his life was under threat through what he described as a connivance between Marcos and the US government,[485] Quiboloy went into hiding and designated Duterte as administrator of his ministry's properties.[479] After Quiboloy refused to attend the hearings, Hontiveros cited him in contempt and recommended the Senate President to order his arrest.[486] Arrest orders for Quiboloy were issued by the Pasig Regional Trial Court despite the efforts of SenatorsRobin Padilla,Cynthia Villar, andBong Go to oppose the move.[487][488] Four separate raids were eventually held in Quiboloy's properties in Davao City;[489] though Quiboloy was not found,[490] the raids were criticized by Duterte and his allies for its "excessive [and] unnecessary force" involving several units of police and military personnel "in full battle gear".[491][492][493] KOJC members gathered in a rally inLiwasang Bonifacio calling for justice for Quiboloy.[494]
"Hakbang ng Maisug" rallies
Additional nationwide protests, calledHakbang ng Maisug (brave) prayer rallies, were held inDumaguete,[495]Tagum,[496] andAngeles[497] by Duterte and Quiboloy's supporters, who voiced their grievances against the Marcos administration. Particularly among these grievances included their opposition toproposed constitutional amendments[496] and to the increased US military presence in the country,[498] as well as denouncement of perceived censorship under the administration.[499] In one of the rallies, Duterte notably accused Marcos of plotting to extend his term beyond the current term limit of the Constitution and of being a drug addict, to which Marcos responded by alleging Duterte's previous use offentanyl as painkiller impaired his judgment;[500] Duterte later dared Marcos to undergo a drug test with him at Luneta Park.[500]
Frustrated on the administration's use of taxpayers' money,[501] Duterte initially revived calls advocated by former House SpeakerPantaleon Alvarez forMindanao tosecede from the Philippines;[502][503] his calls drew disapproval from several lawmakers and former Muslim rebels,[504] prompting Duterte to later retract his calls, saying he only wanted "a better deal for Mindanao".[505] Despite success in holding some rallies, a few suffered setbacks and cancellations after the rally venues were allegedly blocked by the Marcos administration,[506] drawing condemnation from Duterte and his allies.[507][499] Despite his criticisms against Marcos, Duterte clarified the prayer rallies were not meant to overthrow the administration[499] but warned Marcos of extending his six-year term, reminding Marcos ofhis father's fate.[508]
2025 elections
On October 5, 2024, Duterte announced that he will run formayor of Davao City, with his son, incumbent MayorSebastian Duterte, as his running mate for vice mayor in2025. He also rejected calls for him to run for senator, citing his old age.[509] Duterte officially filed his candidacy on October 7;[510] however, on November 7, he welcomed the candidacy of his former cabinet secretary, formerCivil Service Commission chairpersonKarlo Nograles as Davao City mayor, adding he is retired and wishes to give the position to the next generation.[511]
In May 2025, Duterte was elected as mayor despite his detention atThe Hague by the ICC.[512] However, as of the scheduled start of his term on June 30, 2025, he is yet to take his oath due to his imprisonment. As a result, his son Sebastian, who was elected vice mayor, serves as the acting mayor.[513]
House and Senate probe into the War on Drugs
Duterte takes "full, legal responsibility" for the actions of the police who he said merely followed his orders, during theSenate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on October 28, 2024.[514]Duterte during the House probe on the war on drugs on 13 November 2024
In October 2024, the House quad committee led an investigation into the supposed use of intelligence funds to fund an alleged "reward system" for police involved in drug-related extrajudicial killings that occurred during Duterte's presidency. Among the witnesses in the House probe was formerPhilippine Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager and retired Police ColonelRoyina Garma, who accused Duterte of wanting to apply his Davao model approach of the war on drugs on a national scale. SenatorsRonald dela Rosa andBong Go, dismissing the reward money claims as baseless accusations and hearsay, launched a parallel probe in the Senate to "find out the truth".[515][516] Responding to the Senate invitation, Duterte attended the Senate probe into his campaign against illegal drugs. During the session, Duterte admitted to using a "death squad" to combat crime as Davao mayor, but denied directing extrajudicial killings in his national drug war, now being examined by the ICC.[517] He further noted the resumption of activities of drug dealers and criminals after he stepped down from presidency, telling them "If I'm given another chance, I'll wipe all of you".[517]
My mandate as president of the republic was to protect the country and the Filipino people. Do not question my policies because I offer no apologies, no excuses. I did what I had to do.
Duterte accepted an invitation to the House quad committee hearing on November 13. During the hearing, he reiterated the tough but necessary decisions he took in his anti-drug campaign. He further said he was not scared of the ICC and expressed impatience for the ICC's investigation, saying "I am already old, I might die soon. You might miss the pleasure of seeing me standing before the court hearing the judgement whatever it is". In a significant reversal of position, Marcos' executive secretaryLucas Bersamin later stated the Marcos administration "will feel obliged to consider" ared notice from theInterpol for Duterte should it be issued.[519]
Impeachment of Sara Duterte
In December 2024, Duterte offered to join the defense team of his daughter, Vice PresidentSara Duterte, againsther impeachment.[520] On February 18, 2025, two weeks after the vice president was impeached by theHouse of Representatives, Duterte was listed as the legal counsel of his daughter in herSupreme Court petition to stop the impeachment from proceeding to trial.[521]
Arrest and detention at the International Criminal Court
On March 11, 2025, upon his return from Hong Kong on a commercial flight, Duterte was arrested atNinoy Aquino International Airport forcrimes against humanity of murder, torture, and rape.[525][526] The warrant was issued by the ICC, but coursed throughInterpol. A top official of the Marcos administration earlier said that the government would honor its commitments to Interpol if an arrest warrant was issued, despite its policy of not cooperating with the ICC.[527] Duterte questioned the warrant's legitimacy, asserting that the arrest did not follow standard procedures and that any prosecution should occur within the Philippines. His supporters rallied in major cities condemning the arrest, while activists hailed the arrest as a pivotal moment for justice.[528] He was soon surrendered to the ICC inThe Hague, Netherlands, where he was being held as of March 11, 2025[update].[529]
The indictment against Duterte, which was made public on September 22, 2025, accused him of involvement in the murders of 76 people between 2013 and 2018. Fifty-seven of the killings took place during his presidency, and the other 19 occurred during his third term as mayor of Davao City.[530] On October 10, 2025, the ICC rejected a request from Duterte to be released from detention, arguing that he posed a risk of fleeing and would not be willing to return for trial, as well as presenting concerns about potential witness intimidation if he were granted freedom.[531]
Ardent supporters of Duterte have been labeled as "Diehard Duterte Supporters", alternatively known as "Digong Duterte Supporters", which shares the acronym with theDavao Death Squad (DDS).[532] This label has been applied to the 16 million people who voted for him in the 2016 presidential election.[533]
Duterte developed a reputation as a "protector" and "savior" in his hometown ofDavao City as mayor of the city for more than two decades. This is despite reports of death squads in the city.[534]
Duterte with US PresidentDonald Trump inPasay, Metro Manila, November 2017
Duterte has been described as apopulist, with his foul-mouthed remarks against the country's elite which positioned him as a "man of the people" and was critical to his victory in the 2016 presidential election.[535] He has also been compared toU.S. PresidentDonald Trump for his rhetorical style.[534]
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.[536][537] Despite the criticisms on his administration, 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.[538] 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 asTatay Digong (Father Digong), and Filipinos' general interest in strong leaders.[539][540]
ASocial Weather Stations study concluded that there are multiple reasons for Duterte's high satisfaction ratings in surveys; these include his strongbase 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.[541]
Despite keeping a low profile during his post-presidency, Duterte retained his popularity, topping four consecutive surveys conducted separately in March,[434] June,[461] September,[542] and December 2023 by PUBLiCUS Asia on the voting disposition for 2025 Philippine Senate election.[462]
Duterte's record 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".[543] 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."[544]
Throughout his presidency, Duterte has made controversial comments about rape,[545][546][547] human rights, his views on media killings,[548] and has used slurs;[549][550] he has also made controversial statements to international leaders and institutions.[551][552] He has also repeatedly criticized theCatholic Church which has expressed alarm over deaths linked to the war on drugs.[553][554][555][556]
Human Rights Watch (HRW) called the first year of Duterte in office a "human rights calamity". HRW estimates that there have been 7,000 deaths from the day Duterte first took office to January 2017.[557] The Duterte administration suspended the drug 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.[558] In March 2017, HRW released a special investigation and report on the state of police related shooting, titled "License To Kill".[559]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.[560] On August 17, 2017, HRW called Duterte a threat to the human rights community after he made threats against human rights activists.[561]
Despite criticism and international opposition to his controversial anti-narcotics drive, Duterte's domestic approval rating remained relatively high throughout his presidency.[43] Duterte began his presidency with a high trust rating of 79% and 91% (the highest of any Philippine official since 1999), from pollstersSocial Weather Stations (SWS) andPulse Asia, respectively.[567][568] His net satisfaction rating reached its lowest at 45% in July 2018, attributed to inflation during the period as well as Duterte calling God "stupid" for the concept oforiginal sin in theBible;[569] eventually, his satisfaction rating rose to 60% by the end of the year.[570]
Halfway through his term, Duterte's approval rating reached 79%, the highest among his predecessors at this stage in their presidencies.[571] It rose to 87% by the end of 2019 due to the successful hosting of the2019 Southeast Asian Games as well as the administration's poverty reduction programs.[572] Amid theCOVID-19 pandemic, Pulse Asia reported in September 2020 that 84% of Filipinos approved of the administration's efforts to contain the virus and provide assistance to those who lost their jobs; 92% of the poll respondents also agreed Duterte had "done well" in preventing the contagion in the country.[573][574] Duterte ended 2021 with an approval rating of 60%, wherein higher net satisfaction was observed among those who have been or are willing to get vaccinated.[564]
Duterte maintained his high approval and trust ratings as he approached the end of his term.[575][44] A 2021 poll by WR Numero Research revealed that 54.59% of voters want soft continuity of Duterte's policies, 29.57% want full continuity, while only 15.84% preferred change.[576] Duterte left office with a net satisfaction rating of 81%, his highest in SWS polling.[566] Additionally, polling firm PUBLiCUS Asia reported in Duterte's last month in office that Duterte received a 75% approval for his entire six-year tenure, making him the most popular post-EDSA president.[577][45]
Duterte described himself asleft-leaning during his campaign and presidency, but has stressed that he is for democracy and is not a communist.[578][579] Some in the mainstream news media have labeled Duterte as a right-wing populist and authoritarian.[580][581][582][583][584] He has been likened to other nationalist figures in the 2010s includingDonald Trump andJair Bolsonaro.[585]
Duterte was a member of the leftistKabataang Makabayan during the 1970s[586] and was a student of prominent Philippine leftist figure and founder of theCommunist Party of the Philippines,Jose Maria Sison.[587][588] In a 1980s interview, Duterte expressed his frustration on seeing suspected criminals being acquitted despite evidence against them, further adding he admired the NPA's "brand of rendering swift justice".[64]
His relationship with the communists deteriorated during his presidency due to continued rebel attacks on soldiers despite the peace talks.[285][286] The collapse of the peace talks with the CPP,New People's Army (NPA) andNDF led to the falling-out between Duterte and the CPP. The dismissal of cabinet members, most of whom were dropped by theCommission on Appointments or by Duterte himself, led to his erstwhile progressive allies disowning him. The fallout between Duterte and the CPP has also been followed by the expansion of ahistorical andreligiously informed cultural hostility toward left-wing politics in the Philippines, which had been previously reserved for the CPP but which has now spread to the social democratic, democratic socialist and national democratic organizations, such as theMakabayan bloc.[579][589][590] Some national democrats and others who identify with the left have refuted Duterte's self-proclaimed socialist credentials given his inability to concretely and seriously tackle the economic aspects of liberalism.[579][591][592][593][594][595]
Personal life
Duterte is known for being an avid fan of large-displacementcruiser motorcycles,[g] but detests luxury cars. He owns aHarley-Davidson Street[598] and aCan-Am Spyder.[599] He was once a habitualsmoker, but he eventually quit after a doctor's suggestion due to health concerns. Duterte is an avid reader ofRobert Ludlum andSidney Sheldon novels.[600] Duterte is also known for his straightforward and vocal attitude in public, especially in interviews, showing no hesitation in profusely usingprofanity live on-screen on numerous occasions despite formal requests by media groups and schools beforehand to abstain.[601]
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.[605]
Duterte is a self-proclaimed womanizer who had other women besides his former wifeElizabeth Zimmerman and current domestic partnerHoneylet Avanceña. According to his sonPaolo, the elder Duterte had 13 girlfriends based in Davao City. Sebastian only claims two other women besides Zimmerman and Avanceña.[606][607]
Family
Duterte (seated, left) with his first family after delivering his third State of the Nation Address in 2018Duterte with Avanceña along with their daughter Veronica, about to be on their way toMalacañan for hisinauguration and start of hispresidency
Duterte's father, Vicente, died in 1968 while his mother, Soledad, died on February 4, 2012, at the age of 95.[608]
In 1973, Duterte marriedElizabeth Zimmerman, a flight attendant ofGerman American descent[609][610] who traces her roots inTuburan, Cebu.[611] They have three children (from eldest to youngest):Paolo ("Pulong"),Sara ("Inday Sara") andSebastian ("Baste").[609] In the 1990s, his son Paolo left the family for more than five years after having a son (Omar Vincent) with Lovelie Sangkola in 1994, which Duterte acknowledged to be "[o]ne of my sad events in my life".[612] Sara and Paolo both entered politics in 2007 and 2008 respectively, while Baste, with no interest in politics, initially concentrated on business and surfing but eventually ran and won as vice mayor of Davao City in 2019.[613][614] Sara was elected asVice President in2022.[426]
Duterte has been publicly open about his infidelity while married to Zimmerman and cited it as the reason for his failed marriage. According to newspaper columnistRamon Tulfo, Duterte's various partners included "a thenagriculture undersecretary, agovernor of a province, alocal TV newscaster and a policewoman".[615] In 1998, Zimmerman filed a petition in theRegional Trial Court ofPasig 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.[616] Duterte and Zimmerman have been on good terms in recent years,[617] 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."[616]
Prior to his arrest, Duterte had been living with hiscommon-law wifeCielito "Honeylet" Avanceña, a businesswoman and former nurse, with whom he has one daughter named Veronica ("Kitty"), an American by birth.[618] Duterte has eleven grandchildren, half of whom are Muslims and the other half Christian,[619] and two great-grandchildren.[620] Since 2022, a child named Mira ("Mimi", born 2019) is seen being raised by Duterte and Avanceña alongside Veronica, though there are conflicting reports on whether she is a child or a grandchild of Duterte.[621][622][623][624][625] Veronica attributes her rose tattoo to Mira.[626][627]
On his paternal side, Duterte shares familial ties with some of the prominent families of the Visayas, particularly the Almendrases and Duranos ofDanao, Cebu.[h] His distant uncle, former SenatorAlejandro Almendras, was one of his original supporters when he first ran for mayor of Davao City in1988.
Religion
Duterte (center) and his cabinet members pray before the start of the 6th Cabinet Meeting on September 14, 2016.
Despite being raised as a communicant of theCatholic Church, on January 19, 2016, Duterte clarified that he had not attendedMass for quite some time already since he deemed it incompatible with his mayoral responsibilities: "If I listened to theTen Commandments or to the priests," said Duterte, "I would not be able to do anything as a mayor."[629] Duterte has described himself asChristian in 2016[630][631] and "spiritual" in 2018, expressing that he "can't accept" Catholicism ororganized religion but also that he is neither anatheist nor anagnostic.[632][633] He has referred to God asAllah[631] and has been quoted as saying: "a part of me which isIslam".[634]
During his presidency, Duterte and theCatholic Church in the Philippines exchanged frequent criticisms. In response to the rising death toll in Duterte's war on drugs, theCatholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in February 2017 issued a strongly wordedpastoral letter which was read in church services; the letter highlighted that "[killing] is considered as normal", and "to consent and keep silent in front of evil is to be an accomplice to it".[635] Duterte later lambasted Catholic bishops, telling them "not use thepulpit", reviling them as "sons of bitches", remarking that some of them are gay, and urging street bums to rob and kill them.[636] Notable among the bishops Duterte criticized was Caloocan BishopPablo Virgilio David, a vocal critic of the Duterte administration's war on drugs. Duterte accused David of being involved in illegal drugs and stealing church donations,[635] after which the CBCP came to David's defense and vouched for his integrity.[637] Citing continued criticism from Catholic bishops, Duterte's verbal attacks on the Catholic Church escalated in mid-2018 to early 2019,[635][636] during which he 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".[632][633] In one of his harshest vitriol in June 2018, he remarked that God was "stupid" for permittingthe serpent to temptEve inthe creation story in theBible; though the controversial statement was later clarified by his spokesperson as Duterte's "personal opinion",[638] it contributed to Duterte's quarterly approval rating dipping to its lowest at 45%.[569] Efforts by the Church to rally public support against the administration's war on drugs, however, were less effective due to Duterte's domestic popularity and high trust ratings.[639]
Duterte guests inApollo Quiboloy's (center)SMNI show,Give Us This Day, in 2019.
Duterte considers his close friend, pastorApollo Quiboloy of theKingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC), as his spiritual adviser.[640][641] Duterte would become estate administrator of the properties KJC in March 2024, following Senate inquiries launched against the church and Quiboloy.[479]
In his post-presidency in January 2024, Duterte visited the wake of CBCP president Fernando Capalla inDavao Cathedral, during which he stated he attends Masses thrice every Sunday; he further added "I am a very holy man. I'm a whole human being now".[642]
Duterte hasBuerger's disease, an inflammation of blood vessels, mostly in the limbs, andBarrett's esophagus, wherein esophageal cells are gradually replaced by gastrointestinal cells. He has denied rumors ofthroat cancer.[643]
Duterte admitted in December 2016 that he had been a user of the addictiveopioid drugFentanyl. He said that a doctor prescribed the drug to alleviate back pain and headaches, but that he would take more than he was prescribed.[644] 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, andhallucinations.[645]
Duterte has boasted about his use ofViagra: "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."[646][647]
A psychological assessment of Duterte was commissioned by a doctor named 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 behaviors". 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."[648]
In a speech to the Filipino community inRussia, Duterte revealed that he hasmyasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disease, which makes his eye droop.[649][650]
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.[655]
IBP Golden Pillar of Law Award
Duterte was conferred the Golden Pillar of Law Award on September 15, 2025, from the Davao City chapter of theIntegrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).[656][657] Human rights lawyers and activists urged the IBP to revoke the award viewing that his role in the war on drugs contradicts with the spirit of the recognition.[658][659]
The national office of the IBP maintained Duterte'spresumed innocence as it "do not confer guilt or grace beyond the reach of law" but nevertheless pledge to review rules concerning the award.[657][658] IBP Davao insist that Duterte satisfy the criteria for the award based on professional longevity and standing status and that the Golden Pillar award does not "serve as an endorsement of political acts or personal ideologies".[659]
^abDuterte's powers and duties have remained suspended since June 30, 2025, as he has been unable to take his oath of office due to his ongoing detention atThe Hague.Sebastian Duterte assumed as Acting Mayor since June 30, 2025.
^Suspended from November 12, 1990 to January 11, 1991. During Duterte's suspension, Vice Mayor Dominador Zuño Jr. served as acting mayor.
^According to Duterte, he never left PDP–Laban; he was the Davao City chairman of theLiberal Party in 2009, and was nationally affiliated with the party in the 2010 and 2013 elections.[1][2]
^Duterte has been given a variety of nicknames. Some common nicknames for him are "Digong," "DU30," "PRRD," "P-Rod," and "Pigong."[5][6] His policies on crime have given him the nicknames "the Punisher," "DuterteHarry,"[7] and "the Death Squad mayor."[8]
^abDuterte himself does not use the style of Excellency President[139]
^Known in local vernacular as "big bikes".[596][597]
^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 ofDanao, 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 formerSecretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (acting).[628]
^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.Archived from the original on June 12, 2022.
^Lopez, Melissa Luz (April 16, 2020)."Duterte open to dropping infrastructure projects for more COVID-19 funding".CNN Philippines. Archived fromthe original on October 18, 2020. RetrievedOctober 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.
^"Anti-communist crusader".Manila Standard.Davao City: Standard Publications, Inc. January 5, 1988. p. 3.Archived from the original on May 1, 2022. RetrievedJune 17, 2021.... former vice mayor Rodrigo Duterte of the Lakas ng Dabaw, a new political party.
^Zarate, Carlos Isagani T. (March 4, 2002)."Legends".Philippine Daily Inquirer. The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc. p. A9.Archived from the original on August 14, 2025. RetrievedJune 21, 2025.Even now, despite the official change of name to Magsaysay Avenue, Davao City's version of 'Chinatown' is still referred to by many as 'Uyanguren Street.'
^"Philippine death squads very much in business as Duterte set for presidency".Reuters. May 26, 2016.Archived from the original on May 25, 2016. RetrievedSeptember 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.
^Petty, Martin (November 23, 2016)."Philippines president vows to free economy 'from clutches' of oligarchs".Reuters. Archived fromthe original on November 23, 2016. RetrievedMarch 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.
^Hofileña, Chay F. (March 8, 2025)."ICC arrest warrant for Duterte out?".Rappler. RetrievedMarch 9, 2025.Two weeks ago, there had been word that a warrant was forthcoming and that the Philippine National Police (PNP) had to put in place an arrest plan. That information had apparently been leaked to the Duterte camp — whether deliberately or not is unclear.
^Magsambol, Bonz (March 9, 2025)."At HK event, Sara hints at 2028 presidential bid as impeachment trial looms".Rappler. Rappler Inc. RetrievedMarch 9, 2025.The Duterte campaign team confirmed to Rappler that reelectionist Senators Bong Go and Bato dela Rosa are also in Hong Kong. Both senators were key players in the former president's drug war campaign.
^Politiko (March 20, 2017)."Mahihirapang maging politiko! Duterte reveals Kitty an American citizen" [Will be difficult to become a politician!].Politiko (in English and Filipino). MCD Multimedia Corporation.Archived from the original on March 27, 2025. RetrievedMarch 27, 2025.In a speech before the Filipino community in Myanmar Sunday (March 19), Duterte revealed that Kitty is an American citizen.
^Politiko.com.ph (September 1, 2022)."Kitty Duterte shares new selfie with Mimi".Politiko Mindanao. MCD Multimedia Corporation.Archived from the original on February 24, 2025. RetrievedFebruary 24, 2025.Former President Duterte's daughter Veronica 'Kitty' Duterte recently shared to the world another photo with her family member, Mimi.
^Politiko.com.ph (July 27, 2023)."Kitty Duterte offers glimpses into moments with Mira and mom Honeylet!".Politiko. MCD Multimedia Corporation.Archived from the original on February 24, 2025. RetrievedFebruary 24, 2025.Kitty Duterte, the daughter of former President Duterte, recently took to social media to share endearing snapshots of cherished moments spent with her sister Mira and mother Honeylet within the comfort of their home.
^Politiko.com.ph (February 8, 2022)."Kitty Duterte shows off tattoos on latest modeling stint".Politiko Mindanao. MCD Multimedia Corporation.Archived from the original on February 24, 2025. RetrievedFebruary 24, 2025.Fifteen year old Veronica 'Kitty' Duterte was recently seen sporting clear skin and newly lifted lashes, along with a brand new ink, during her shoot for Lutz Dental Clinic.
^Figueroa, Antonio V. (December 5, 2015)."The Duterte Bloodline".EDGE Davao. Archived fromthe original on September 14, 2016. RetrievedSeptember 14, 2016.
Italics and (*) indicate that a person was convicted by the ICC and that the conviction remains valid; a name in (parentheses) indicates that charges were dropped or a conviction was overturned; † indicates a person confirmed by the ICC as deceased before or during trial; (x) after a name indicates that the case was closed by the ICC because of a national-level trial of the accused
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