I

INTRODUCTION

On May 9 2016, Rodrigo Roa Duterte was elected president of the Republic of the
Philippines. Amassing thirty-nine percent of the total votes cast, the former mayor of Davao city
now holds one of the most, if not the most, important position in the Philippine government. 


Some of the notable accomplishments of the Duterte Administration are the passage of
the Bangsamoro Basic law, the passage of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law
which would support the administration’s “Build Build Build Program” and environmental
programs which would develop the country’s natural resources without compromising it’s
sustainability.

However, during his campaign, one of the most noteworthy promise is his vow to end
the Philippines’ drug problem. Upon his election, “the war on drugs” was immediately
implemented which in turn sparked not only the interest and opposition of his critics, but also
those of various human rights organizations. According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement
Agency, 4,948 suspected drug users and dealers were killed during this war dated from July 2016
to September 2018. This number does not include those killed and identified as drug dealers by
unknown gunmen. The exact number of deaths still cannot be ascertained because such
information where considered as classified information by the government and releasing such
information would allegedly impede the apprehension of drug syndicates. 



Duterte’s war on drug has become the centerpiece of the administration.