Rodrigo Duterte: The Controversial President of the Philippines
Rodrigo Duterte, the 16th President of the Philippines, has been in office since June 30, 2016 and has since been known for his controversial policies and statements. He is a former prosecutor and mayor of Davao City, a city in Mindanao which he transformed into a peaceful and economically booming metropolis during his 22 years of leadership.
War on Drugs and Extrajudicial Killings
One of Duterte's most controversial policies is his War on Drugs, which aims to combat the illegal drug trade in the Philippines. Since the beginning of his presidency, there have been over 27,000 drug-related deaths, with many of them being extrajudicial killings. The United Nations and various human rights organizations have condemned Duterte's approach as a violation of human rights. Duterte, however, maintains that his actions are necessary to tackle the drug scourge plaguing the country and will continue to do so until his term ends in 2022.
Foreign Relations
Duterte's foreign policies have also been a subject of controversy. He has openly expressed his admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping and has shifted the country's foreign policy away from the United States. Duterte has also been criticized for his handling of territorial disputes in the South China Sea and for his controversial remarks against both the United States and the European Union.
Women's Rights and LGBTQ+ Rights
Duterte's controversial statements extend beyond his policies in the War on Drugs and foreign policy. He has repeatedly made misogynistic and homophobic remarks, sparking outrage from activists and human rights groups. Duterte has been accused of rape, sexual assault, and harassment by multiple women, earning him the nickname of "Dirty Duterte." He has also made various derogatory remarks about the LGBTQ+ community, including telling homosexuals to "go into a machine and be made straight." This has sparked a backlash from both the local and international LGBTQ+ community.
Economic Policies
Despite the controversies that surround his presidency, Duterte has made significant strides in the country's economic growth. He implemented various policies to attract foreign investment, created job opportunities, and increased infrastructure spending. The Philippines has seen impressive growth in the tourism industry, with a record-breaking 7.1 million tourist arrivals in 2018.
Conclusion
Rodrigo Duterte's presidency has been mired in controversy since day one. His policies and statements have drawn criticism from human rights groups, activists, and world leaders alike. Despite this, he remains a popular figure in the Philippines, with a recent survey showing that he has a satisfaction rating of 80%. His presidency is far from over, and it remains to be seen what other controversies will arise during his term.