"I do not care if I burn in hell for as long as the people I serve live in paradise."
Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines, is one of the most transformative and revered figures in modern Philippine history.
From his early career as a government prosecutor to his historic tenure as the longest-serving Mayor of Davao City, and ultimately as the President who brought decisive change to the nation, Duterte’s leadership embodied a deep and unwavering commitment to the Filipino people.
Early Life and Education
Rodrigo Roa Duterte was born on March 28, 1945, in Maasin, Leyte. He was the son of Vicente Duterte, a lawyer and governor of the then-undivided Davao province, and Soledad Roa, a devoted schoolteacher and civic leader.
The family moved to Davao, where Duterte would grow up and later dedicate his life to public service.
He completed his high school education at Holy Cross of Digos. He earned his degree in Political Science from Lyceum of the Philippines University. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws from San Beda College of Law in 1972. After passing the bar exam, Duterte returned to Davao to begin his journey of service to the Filipino people.
Prosecutor and Early Public Service
Duterte started as a special counsel and later a prosecutor at the City Prosecution Office in Davao City. His fearless pursuit of justice, combined with an unshakeable sense of duty, earned him the respect of colleagues and constituents alike.
These early years refined his resolve and laid the groundwork for his tough yet compassionate leadership style.
Mayor of Davao City: From Chaos to Model City
In 1988, Rodrigo Duterte became mayor of Davao City, a place then plagued by violence, insurgency, and lawlessness. Through visionary leadership, political will, and unwavering resolve, he transformed Davao into one of the safest and most progressive cities in the country.
His programs, including the Davao City Central 911, women’s protection centers, drug rehabilitation efforts, and citywide development initiatives, have become models of local governance. Duterte prioritized the welfare of ordinary citizens, ensuring access to free medical care, education, and social assistance for those in need.
His leadership in Davao became legendary, and his deep personal connection with his constituents fueled his popularity and trust across all sectors of society.
Presidential Campaign and Overwhelming Mandate
In 2015, amid widespread discontent over rampant crime, slow governance, and deepening inequality, Duterte heeded the call of the people and ran for President. His message was clear: bring change, restore order, and return dignity to the ordinary Filipino.
He won the 2016 presidential election by a landslide, a historic mandate from over 16 million Filipinos who believed in his vision of peace, discipline, and national pride.
The Duterte Presidency: Bold Reforms and People-Centered Governance
Duterte’s presidency brought bold, decisive leadership rooted in genuine concern for the Filipino people:
War on Drugs: With a focus on public safety, the administration’s anti-drug campaign dismantled networks and reclaimed communities long plagued by addiction and crime. It restored peace in barangays and protected future generations.
Build, Build, Build: An ambitious infrastructure program that generated jobs and laid down roads, bridges, airports, and mass transit systems nationwide, spurring regional development.
Universal Healthcare and Free Education: He signed landmark laws providing universal healthcare and tuition-free education in state universities and colleges, ensuring better opportunities for the masses.
Bangsamoro Organic Law: A milestone in the peace process, it established the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and empowered local governance in Mindanao.
Independent Foreign Policy: Duterte boldly asserted Philippine sovereignty, pursuing a foreign policy that prioritized national interests and fostered strong ties with neighboring countries to ensure stability and promote economic cooperation.
Even amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, his administration mobilized rapid response efforts, managed vaccine rollouts, and safeguarded livelihoods, proving once again that his leadership was rooted in action, not rhetoric.
Legacy and Love from the Filipino People
Rodrigo Duterte concluded his presidency in 2022 with among the highest approval ratings ever recorded for a departing leader. His legacy includes:
Peace and Security: Safer streets and communities, especially in previously neglected areas.
Empowerment of the Poor: Programs that directly uplifted the lives of ordinary Filipinos.
Reform and Results: A government that delivers on its promises efficiently and without corruption.
To millions of Filipinos, Duterte is not just a president. He is a father figure, a faithful public servant who gave his all, never backed down from a challenge, and loved the country with unwavering loyalty.
Conclusion: A President Who Stood with the People
Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s journey from a humble prosecutor to the highest office in the land is a story of destiny, grit, and deep patriotism. He brought change not through empty words but through firm action, compassion for the underprivileged, and an unshakable will to serve.
He inspired a nation to rise above fear, to demand better from their leaders, and to believe in the power of strong, sincere governance.
For generations to come, his name will be remembered not only as a leader but as a symbol of bravery, discipline, and devotion to the country.