Rodrigo "Rody" Roa Duterte (born March 28, 1945), also known as

Digong,[6] is the 16th President of the Philippines, in office since 2016.[7][8][9]

He is the first Mindanaoan to hold the office, and the fourth of Visayan
descent.[10]
Duterte was among the longest-serving mayors in the Philippines and was
Mayor of Davao City, a highly urbanized city on Mindanao island, for seven
terms, totalling more than 22 years. A lawyer and former prosecutor, he has
also served as vice-mayor and as congressman for the city.
Duterte's political success has been aided by his vocal support for the
extrajudicial killing of drug users and criminals.[11] Human rights groups have
documented over 1,400 killings allegedly by vigilante groups occurring in
Davao between 1998 and May 2016; the victims were mainly drug users,
petty criminals and street children.[12] Duterte denied any involvement in the
said vigilante groups.[13] In a January 2016 decision by the Office of the
Ombudsman on the investigation conducted by the Commission on Human
Rights on the alleged death squad in Davao between 2005 and 2009, the
Ombudsman found no evidence to support "the killings attributed or
attributable to the Davao Death Squad, much less the involvement of Mayor
Rodrigo Duterte" to said acts.[14]
On May 9, 2016, Duterte won the Philippine presidential election, garnering
16,601,997 votes (39.01% of total votes cast, and 6.6 million votes ahead of
closest rival Mar Roxas).[15] His domestic policy has focused on combating
illegal drug trade by initiating a nationwide drug war. Following criticism
from United Nations human rights experts that extrajudicial killings had
increased since the election, he threatened to withdraw the Philippines from
the UN and form a new organization with China and African nations.[16] His
administration has also vowed to pursue an "independent foreign policy"
that would reject any meddling by foreign governments. [17]

Early life

Duterte was born on March 28, 1945, in Maasin (now the capital of
Southern Leyte but was then part of the insular province of Leyte in the
Philippine Commonwealth).[18] His father was Cebuano lawyer Vicente G.

Duterte and his mother was Soledad Roa, a native of Cabadbaran, Agusan,
who was a school teacher and a civic leader of Maranao descent. Duterte's
father Vicente, prior to being provincial governor of (the then-undivided)
Davao province, was once an acting mayor of Danao, Cebu. Rodrigo's
cousin Ronald, on the other hand, served as Cebu City mayor from 1983 to
1986. Ronald's father, Ramon Duterte, also held the position from 1957 to
1959. The Dutertes consider the Cebu-based political families of the
Durano and the Almendras clan as relatives.[19] Duterte also has relatives
from the Roa clan in Leyte through his mother's side. [20] Before they
resettled to Davao, Duterte's family briefly lived in his birthplace in Maasin,
Leyte, and in his father's hometown in Danao, Cebu, until he was four years
old.[21][22]
The Dutertes initially moved to Mindanao in 1948 but still go back and forth
to the Visayas until 1949.[23] They finally settled in the Davao Region in
1950. Vicente as a lawyer engaged in private practice, while Soledad
taught in public schools as a teacher. Mrs Duterte, however, retired as a
supervisor in 1952 when her lawyer-husband entered politics there.

Education

Duterte went to Laboon Elementary School in Maasin, for a year. [20] He

spent his remaining elementary days at the Santa Ana Elementary School
in Davao City, where he graduated in 1956. He finished his secondary
education in the High School Department of the then Holy Cross College of
Digos (now Cor Jesu College) in today's city of Digos in the now defunct
Davao province, after being expelled twice from previous schools, including
one in Ateneo de Davao University High School due to misconduct.[19] At the
tertiary level, he graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in
political science at the Lyceum of the Philippines in Manila. He also
obtained a law degree from San Beda College of Law, still in Manila, in
1972. In the same year, he passed the bar exam. Duterte eventually
became Special Counsel at the City Prosecution Office in Davao City from
197779; Fourth Assistant City Prosecutor from 197981; Third Assistant
City Prosecutor from 198183; and Second Assistant City Prosecutor from

198386.
Duterte claimed publicly to have shot a fellow student while in law school
for allegedly bullying him because of his Visayan origins. His victim,
however, survived, and although Duterte was prohibited from participating
in the commencement march, he did graduate.[24]

Early political career

Davao City mayor

See also: 1989 Davao hostage crisis

Duterte (left) with President Benigno Aquino III during a meeting with local government
unit leaders in Davao City in 2013

After the 1986 People Power Revolution, Duterte was appointed officer-incharge vice mayor. In 1988, he ran for mayor and won, serving until 1998.
He set a precedent by designating deputy mayors that represented the
Lumad and Moro peoples in the city government, which was later copied in
other parts of the Philippines. In 1998, because he was term-limited to run
again for mayor, he ran for the House of Representatives and won as
Congressman of the 1st District of Davao City (under the Laban ng
Makabayang Masang Pilipino coalition). In 2001, he ran again for mayor in
Davao and was again elected for his fourth term. He was re-elected in 2004
and in 2007.[25]
Davao City under Duterte won the National Literacy Hall of Fame Award for
being a three-time first-place winner in the Outstanding Local Government
Unit, Highly Urbanized City category. In 2013, Davao City sent rescue and
medical teams to Tacloban to give aid to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan,
locally known in the country as Typhoon Yolanda. Financial assistance was
also given to Bohol and Cebu for the earthquake victims.[26]
One article of Time magazine shows him patrolling in Davao City's streets

on one of his big motorcycles, leading a convoy complete with blaring

sirens and M16 rifles. Local news reports show him foregoing the pomp,
opting to inspect in a regular taxi, surprising his would-be passengers. [27]
Though vocally supportive of the extra-judicial killings of habitual drug users
and dealers[citation needed], Duterte used city government funds to build a 12million drug rehabilitation and treatment center which provides 24-hour
services. In 2003, he offered a 2,000 monthly allowance to drug addicts
who personally approached him and committed to kick the habit. Duterte is
also publicly known for visiting remote New People's Army camps
negotiating peace transaction efforts and advocating diplomacy. [27]
Duterte was also the first mayor in the Philippines to give formal
representation to the indigenous Lumad and Muslim community,
designating deputy mayors to represent their interests in the local
government. The anti-discrimination ordinance he mandated, was
reportedly a response to news he received that Muslims were being
discriminated against by real estate agents.[27]
In 2010, he was elected vice mayor, succeeding his daughter, Sara DuterteCarpio, who was elected as mayor. He has been offered the Interior
Secretary post 4 times, by presidents Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph Ejercito
Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and Benigno S. Aquino III but rejected
all of them. In April 2014, he also declined a nomination for the World
Mayor Prize, given by an international body to outstanding mayors saying
"he was just doing his job."[27] Among the other awards Duterte also refused
to accept for Davao City include the one given by the American Cancer
Society and the 2010 anti-smoking award in Singapore.[19]
Law and order

Duterte (third from left) leading the city-wide 2015 Torotot Festival

Through the support of Duterte, the City Council amended ordinance No.
1627, Series of 1994, to impose a prohibition on selling, serving, drinking

and consuming alcoholic beverages from 01:00 until 08:00 each morning.
Executive Order No. 39 was signed by Duterte, 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.[28][29] Duterte also signed Executive
Order No. 04, Series of 2013 to impose an order creating the implementing
of rules and regulations for the new comprehensive anti-smoking ordinance
no. 0367-12, Series of 2012.[30] Davao City's Firecracker Ban was also
implemented with ordinance No. 060-02/1406-02, Series of 2002 by the
City Council through the support of Duterte.[31]
Another known accomplishment was that the City Government of Davao
was able to acquire 10 more ambulances for central 911 intended for
medical emergencies and 42 new mobile patrol vehicles and motorcycles
for the Davao City Police Office (the first and only 9-1-1 emergency
telephone number in Asia which is also free of charge).[32] 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.[33]
Duterte also passed the city's Women Development Code, the first and only
in the country, which aims "to uphold the rights of women and the belief in
their worth and dignity as human beings" and pushed for the Magna Carta
for Women in Davao. It is a comprehensive women's human rights law that
seeks to eliminate discrimination against women. [34][35]
Crime rate

Duterte speaks with Davao City residents in 2009

Reuters reported in May 2016 that according to national police Davao has
the highest murder rate and the second highest rape rate among 15
Philippine cities, and that locals think that the city has become safer
because of Duterte's campaigns against drugs and crime. [36][37]
Crime figures reported by Duterte, stated that crime in the city was
significantly reduced during the period 19852000. Duterte suggested that
there had been a decrease in crime from a triple-digit crime rate per 1,000
people in 1985, to 0.8 cases per 10,000 inhabitants in the period 1999 to
2005. Furthermore, according to police statistics, the population in Davao
City grew from 1.12 million to 1.44 million between 1999 and 2008 (29 per
cent). In the corresponding period, the incidence of reported crime rose
from 975 to 3,391 (248 per cent).[38]
The number of index crimes have significantly decreased since 2013 and
2015, with most killings occurring during police operations. [39]

Advocacy

Main article: Federalism in the Philippines

In 2014, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte initiated the holding of a
summit: "I am calling on all responsible leaders in the island, from
government and civil society organizations, from the business and
academe sectors, the leaders of the Church, the military and the youth, let
us all forge a well-informed, united front, so we could craft a collective plan
of action for Mindanao's true identity reflective of what its peoples and
tribes truly wish and aspire for", Duterte said in a statement.[40]
Among those who were invited to attend were former President Fidel V.
Ramos, Msgr. Fernando Capalla, Ateneo de Davao University President Fr.
Joel Tabora, former Mindanao Economic Development Council chair Paul
G. Dominguez, and retired General Hermogenes Esperon. Local
government heads from Mindanao cities, towns and provinces were also
expected to attend, as well as Catholic bishops and Muslim religious
leaders.[40]
In September 2014, Duterte met with former mayors and governors in an
initial effort to revive calls for a federal form of government. The group,

which called itself Mindanao Council of Leaders, made their position public
after an informal caucus. Present during the said meeting were Bukidnon
Governor Jose Maria Zubiri, former Cagayan de Oro mayors Reuben
Canoy and Vicente Emano, former Zamboanga del Norte congressman
Romeo Jalosjos, and former Davao del Norte representative Pantaleon
Alvarez.[41]
A month later, Duterte was in Cebu City and met with Cebu officials. The
event was sponsored by the Federal Movement for a Better Philippines and
coincided with the induction of its new set of officers held at the Sacred
Heart Center in Cebu City.[42]

Presidential bid

Main article: Rodrigo Duterte presidential campaign, 2016

Duterte campaigning on a motorcade in Navotas, April 27, 2016

As early as the first quarter of 2015, Duterte made hints to the media of his
intention to run for president in the 2016 elections. However, he denied
these plans numerous times amidst clamor from his supporters for him to
run.
On October 16, 2015, on the last day of filing for certificates of candidacy,
Martin Dio filed his intent to run for president under Duterte's party, PDPLaban. Duterte's supporters clamored for the possibility that Duterte be
fielded as a substitute candidate for Dio, in the event that Dio gets
disqualified or withdrew. On October 26, 2015, Duterte said on an interview
that the deadline for his last decision if he will seek the presidency is on
December 10. He also warned the people to abide by the law if he wins. [43]

On October 27, PDP-Laban has made it official that Duterte will substitute
as the party's presidential bet if aspirant Martin Dio withdraws or is
disqualified by the Commission of Elections (Comelec) from the 2016 race.
[44]
Two days later, PDP-Laban standard bearer Martin Dio officially
withdrew his presidential bid and named Duterte as his substitute because
of the possibility that Dio might be declared a nuisance candidate by
COMELEC.[45]
On October 30, an alleged campaign video of Duterte and Cayetano
circulated on social media that put hopes on Duterte's candidacy as
Cayetano's running mate. However, Duterte's aide Bong Go said on an
interview that Duterte's mind hasn't changed yet but will continue on soulsearching with his family to know if he's going to run in the upcoming
elections.[46] On November 1, Duterte said that nothing still hasn't changed
and he isn't fit for national office. He also said that he is still waiting for an
official communication from his party about his possible candidacy; Duterte
will also wait if his daughter will agree to substitute for him at the mayoral
race of Davao and he will retire from public service if Sara agreed to do so.
[47]
On November 2, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting
(PPCRV) executive Dr. Arwin Serrano said that Martin Dio is deemed to
face an election sabotage complaint because of proposing Duterte as his
substitute for him, however, Dio denied the allegations that his filing of
candidacy is just a front to pave the way for Duterte's possible substitution.
[48]
In an interview with Comelec Chairman Andres D. Bautista on November
3, he stated that, although they have noted Dio's withdrawal, he
additionally mentioned that they won't move with any further action with
regard to a possible substitution until they have Duterte's consent and
unless it would be made official with a COC and a certificate of nomination
and acceptance from PDP-Laban.[49] Duterte himself then further clarified
that his decision of acceptance for the substitution offer would be on the
deadline itself come December 10.[50]
On November 21 in a private gathering with fraternity brothers from San
Beda College of Law, Duterte formally announced his presidential bid and

also finally accepted Alan Peter Cayetano's offer to be his running mate.[51]
Duterte said he is disappointed over the decision made by the Senate
Electoral Tribunal (SET) regarding Grace Poe's citizenship as well as the
current administration's handling of the 'laglag-bala' issue. [52] Duterte further
stated that he will file his candidacy immediately after he reached out to his
party.[53]
On November 27, 2015, Duterte filed his certificate of candidacy for
president through his representative Atty. Salvador Medialdea in Metro
Manila shortly after withdrawing his COC for Davao City mayoralty reelection. The document was filed along with a certificate of nomination and
acceptance from PDP-Laban signed by Duterte and the party's vice
president, Engr. Salvador Ty. In withdrawing his COC for Davao City mayor,
Duterte named his daughter, Sara, as his substitute. Sara formally
submitted the document for substitution at Comelec Davao and both COCs
were received.[54]
The validity of Duterte's substitution was further assessed by Comelec and
on December 7, Comelec rejected a petition to designate Martin Dio as a
nuisance candidate[55] and while the Comelec legal department has assured
Duterte that the first COC he filed through a representative was valid, he
personally filed his COC at the Comelec national office in Intramuros,
Manila on December 8 to formalize his bid for the presidency in the 2016
elections. An estimated 500 people showed up, including students from
Duterte's alma mater Lyceum of the Philippines, to express their support.[56]
[57]

On December 17, Comelec officially recognized Duterte's substitution of

Martin Dio as PDP-Laban's presidential candidate for the May 2016
elections. Comelec Chairman Andres "Andy" D. Bautista said in a press
conference on the same day:

This means he (Duterte) is now in our list of candidates. So that was an administrative
made.

The poll body voted 61 in favor of recognizing Duterte's candidacy.

Comelec Senior Commissioner Christian Robert Lim pointed out that
Comelec has two functions administrative and quasi-judicial. The
decision on Duterte's candidacy, he said, is administrative.