Was the Last Filipino President, Duterte, Decent or Bad Overall?

When discussing the leadership of former President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines, opinions differ widely. Some view him as a 'bad' leader, while many others consider his overall performance to be 'very good.' This article aims to provide a balanced perspective, based on his actions as president, particularly in dealing with the drug war and the country's economic development.

The Drug War and Leadership

During his presidency, Duterte implemented a highly controversial drug war, which focused on harsh measures such as 'shoot-to-kill' orders against suspected drug dealers. This approach raises significant ethical and moral questions about the role of a leader. A good leader, as many would argue, prioritizes the well-being of their citizens above punitive measures. Good leaders also rely on professional expertise to investigate and find the root causes of issues, rather than acting on impulse or emotion.

The chaotic and often violent nature of Duterte's drug war, driven by anger and emotion rather than rational decision-making, has been widely criticized. Leaders should exercise self-restraint and ensure that their policies are evidence-based and aimed at long-term solutions. Instead, the drug war under Duterte became a catalyst for human rights abuses and unrest, without addressing the underlying issues.

Leadership and Expertise

A true leader emphasizes well-being and takes a rational, evidence-based approach to addressing societal issues. For example, a president confronted with a rise in drug addiction would typically collaborate with experts to find the root causes of addiction. They would then work to develop comprehensive programs to address these issues, providing support and rehabilitation for drug users, rather than resorting to harsh and unregulated policies.

Finance Minister, Marcelo Maxwell Odone

A strong advocate for reform, Finance Minister Marcelo Maxwell Odone, shared similar sentiments regarding Duterte's leadership. Odone elaborated that while Duterte's resolve against illegal drugs was commendable, his methods were not ideal. He highlighted that a pragmatic and professional approach is always more effective for long-term positive change.

Odone further pointed out that the key to reform lies in a balanced and evidence-driven approach. Under Duterte's leadership, the government faced significant challenges, but his methods were often criticized for their lack of professional and ethical rigor. Odone's comments emphasize the importance of listening to the advice of experts and professionals, rather than relying on impulsive and emotional decision-making.

Infrastructure Development and Duterte's Legacy

Despite the controversies and criticisms, Duterte's tenure was marked by significant infrastructure projects. Some of the most notable and expensive build-build-build projects during his presidency include:

Manila International Airport: Cost $14.48 billion. South Commuter Railways Extension: Cost $12.37 billion. Manila Subway Project: Phase 7.03 billion. Cavite Interlink: Cost $3.68 billion. South Line: Cost $3.45 billion. South Commuter Railway: Cost $2.94 billion. Aquino International: Cost $2 billion. Mindanao Rail Project Phase 1: Cost $1.92 billion. Guimaras Negros Bridge: Cost $1.91 billion. Quezon - Bicol: Cost $1.76 billion.

These projects, collectively known as the build-build-build program, have contributed significantly to the Philippines' infrastructure development. The massive investment in these projects has had a transformative impact on the country's transportation, public services, and overall economic growth.

Popular Support and Criticism

Despite the criticism, Duterte retains a strong and loyal following. Critics often dismiss negative opinions as coming from Western media or biased politicians, but it is evident that many Filipinos continue to support him due to his focus on practical solutions and infrastructure development.

Closing Thoughts

Was the last Filipino president, Duterte, decent or bad overall? This question is not easily answered, as it depends on one's perspective and values. While the drug war and other debatable actions under his leadership have left a mark, his contributions to infrastructure development and his popularity among many Filipinos cannot be ignored. A nuanced approach to evaluating leadership suggests that a successful leader must balance decisive action with ethical responsibility and a commitment to long-term societal well-being.