Rodrigo Duterte

Rodrigo Duterte won the Philippine presidential election on a platform of law and order, promising to eradicate drugs and crime. His victory marked a shift in Philippine politics, with his tough-talking style and controversial policies gaining widespread support.

Duterte initiated a nationwide anti-drug campaign, encouraging police and vigilantes to kill drug suspects. Thousands of people were killed in extrajudicial executions, drawing international condemnation for human rights abuses. The policy remained popular domestically despite the violence.

Duterte shifted Philippine foreign policy away from the United States, seeking closer ties with China and Russia. He downplayed the South China Sea arbitration ruling and welcomed Chinese investments, a move that drew criticism from traditional allies and human rights advocates.

After Islamist militants linked to ISIS occupied Marawi City, Duterte declared martial law in the entire Mindanao region. The move was approved by Congress and lasted for two years, allowing the military to suppress the insurgency but raising concerns about civil liberties.

Duterte's government implemented one of the world's longest and strictest lockdowns to combat COVID-19. The response was criticized for being economically damaging and poorly coordinated, with the Philippines suffering one of the highest infection and death rates in Asia.