Rodrigo Duterte assumed office as the 16th President of the Philippines on June 30, 2016, with a promise

of transformative change. His leadership has been marked by a mix of ambitious programs, controversial
policies, and both domestic and international challenges.

**Performance:**

Duterte’s administration introduced a robust anti-drug campaign known as “Oplan Tokhang,” aimed at
eradicating illegal drugs in the country. While this initiative gained support for addressing a critical issue,
it faced severe criticism for alleged extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses. The campaign
generated international concern and strained the Philippines’ relationships with some Western nations.

Economically, Duterte implemented the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program, with a focus on
large-scale projects to stimulate economic growth. Initiatives like the Manila Subway, Clark International
Airport expansion, and Mindanao Railway aimed to enhance connectivity and boost industries. However,
critics questioned the feasibility and financial sustainability of these projects.

In addressing peace and order, the administration tackled terrorism and insurgency in Mindanao through
martial law and the Marawi Siege. While the conflict was eventually quelled, it raised questions about
the balance between national security and civil liberties.

Duterte pursued an independent foreign policy, fostering closer ties with China and distancing the
Philippines from its traditional ally, the United States. The pivot towards China stirred geopolitical
tensions, especially concerning the South China Sea disputes.

**Programs:**

1. **War on Drugs:**

- **Objective:** Eradicate illegal drug trade.

- **Performance:** Controversial and widely criticized for alleged human rights violations. Thousands
of deaths were reported, raising concerns about due process and rule of law.

2. **Build, Build, Build:**

- **Objective:** Accelerate infrastructure development.

- **Performance:** Initiated key projects to improve transportation, irrigation, and urban

development. However, funding challenges and concerns about project prioritization emerged.

3. **Independent Foreign Policy:**

- **Objective:** Diversify international relations and reduce dependence on a single ally.

- **Performance:** Improved relations with China but strained ties with traditional allies, impacting
geopolitical dynamics and raising questions about national interests.

4. **Mindanao Peace and Order:**

- **Objective:** Address terrorism and insurgency.

 - **Performance:** Declared martial law in Mindanao during the Marawi Siege, successfully
suppressing the rebellion but raising concerns about civil liberties.

**Issues:**

1. **Human Rights Concerns:**

- Duterte’s war on drugs faced allegations of extrajudicial killings, prompting investigations and
condemnations from human rights organizations and foreign governments.

2. **Extrajudicial Killings:**

- The controversial anti-drug campaign led to widespread criticism for alleged extrajudicial killings,
raising questions about the methods used to combat drug-related crimes.

3. **China Relations:**

- While pursuing an independent foreign policy, Duterte’s warming relations with China raised concerns
about national sovereignty, especially in the context of territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

4. **Authoritarian Tendencies:**

- Duterte’s leadership style, characterized by strongman rhetoric and decisive actions, prompted
concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and institutions.

5. **Economic and Infrastructure Challenges:**

- Despite ambitious infrastructure plans, concerns arose about the sustainability of funding and the
potential impact on national debt. The prioritization of projects also faced scrutiny.

In conclusion, Rodrigo Duterte’s leadership in the Philippines has been marked by a combination of
controversial policies, economic initiatives, and geopolitical realignments. While some programs aimed
at addressing critical issues such as drugs and infrastructure development, they were accompanied by
significant challenges and criticisms, particularly in the areas of human rights, foreign relations, and
democratic governance. Duterte’s legacy remains a subject of ongoing debate, with divergent views on
the effectiveness and implications of his leadership for the Philippines’ future.