I still remember the day I cast my vote for Rodrigo Duterte. It was election day in 2016, and I wasn’t feeling well. I had been busy with my work and studies, barely sleeping, pushing myself beyond exhaustion. I was home that day, trying to recover, when my mother asked, “Are you going to vote?”

For a moment, I almost forgot, it was election day! I was sick, and my mother reminded me to stay home and rest. But something inside me wouldn’t let me. This election wasn’t just any election. It was about choosing a leader who could change the Philippines, someone who wasn’t just another politician but a true man of action. And for me, that man was Rodrigo Duterte.

Despite not feeling well, I got up, dressed, and made my way to the polling station. That day, I believed he would be the best president for the Philippines. It wasn’t just because of his tough talk or promises to clean up the streets. It was the passion in his words and the promise of real change. And I wasn’t alone. Millions of Filipinos felt the same way.

Years later, despite all the controversies and his recent arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC), he was, and still is, a leader who stood for what he believed in. And for many Filipinos, that is precisely why he remains deeply loved. So, why do most Filipinos, still support Rodrigo Duterte despite the charges and criticisms?

Why Do Most Filipinos Still Love Duterte?

Rodrigo Duterte isn’t just another president. He’s a man who broke the mold of traditional politics. He didn’t speak like the elite, didn’t act like a polished diplomat, and didn’t promise things he couldn’t deliver. He was raw, straightforward, and ruthless against crime. Traits that made him admired and feared. But what exactly made him so popular?

1. He Is a Leader of Action, Not Just Words

Duterte didn’t just talk about fighting crime. He acted on it. His aggressive anti-drug campaign sparked international outrage, and many Filipinos feel safer in the communities because of it. He had a track record to prove his capability, having turned Davao City from a crime-ridden area into one of the safest cities in the country.

Proverbs 4:7 (NIV) says, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” FPRRD’s wisdom in dealing with crime came from his deep understanding of the need for change, even if it was difficult. His decisive actions spoke louder than any promises.

2. Duterte’s Strong Stance on Crime and Drugs

In connection with that, Duterte’s no-nonsense approach to crime and drugs was one of the primary reasons why he garnered such strong support. His bold promises to rid the country of narcotics resonated with many Filipinos, especially those living in crime-ridden areas. The promise of a safer Philippines was something that many longed for. While his methods were controversial, Filipinos had a deep desire for a leader who would take decisive action.

In the Bible, we are reminded that “the wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1). Duterte’s boldness and willingness to confront crime head-on gave many Filipinos the sense that they finally had a leader who was not afraid to do what was necessary to protect the nation.

3. Makes Tough Decisions Without Fear

FPRRD is willing to take risks and make unpopular decisions if he believes they are right. Whether it’s cutting ties with powerful elites, pushing back against foreign interference, or taking a hardline stance on drugs and crime, he doesn’t hesitate. Many people admire this kind of bravery, he’s not a leader who can be easily swayed.

In Joshua 1:9 (NIV), God commands, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” His leadership mirrors this courage. He’s unafraid to stand firm in his beliefs, no matter how difficult or unpopular they might have been.

4. Speaks the Language of the People

Unlike many traditional politicians who use formal and often empty rhetoric, Duterte speaks in a way Filipinos understand. He is blunt, unfiltered, and sometimes even crass. But that’s precisely why people feel connected to him. He doesn’t pretend to be perfect. He’s just being himself.

The Bible reminds us in Ecclesiastes 3:7 (NIV), “A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and speak.” Duterte spoke candidly when the times called for it; direct and raw, touching the hearts of ordinary Filipinos who longed for change.

5. A Leader Who Comes from the People

His rise to power wasn’t from the usual political elite but from humble beginnings. As a mayor of Davao City, he was known for being a hands-on leader who interacted with everyday Filipinos. This connection with the ordinary people made him relatable to many voters. People saw him as one of their own, someone who understood their struggles and wasn’t just another politician out of touch with reality.

This is reflected in a well-known leadership quote by John C. Maxwell: “A leader knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” FPRRD exemplified this in his leadership by showing Filipinos that anyone, regardless of background, could rise to power with the right intentions.

6. He Has a Strong Sense of Nationalism

Former President Rodrigo Duterte has never been afraid to challenge foreign powers, even standing up to Western nations criticizing his policies. He prioritizes Filipino interests first, even if it means breaking traditional diplomatic norms. For many, this is a sign of authentic leadership- a president who would not let the Philippines be pushed around.

As Philippians 3:20 (NIV) states, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” While this verse speaks to the higher calling of Christians, Duterte’s unwavering sense of national pride mirrors the belief that leaders should fight for their people above all else. He focused on the Philippines, regardless of the pressures from the outside world.

7. Commitment to National Sovereignty

In that regard, Duterte remained popular among Filipinos was his firm stance on national sovereignty, particularly about the South China Sea dispute. His refusal to allow foreign powers to dictate the Philippines’ actions, especially regarding the territorial claims in the South China Sea, won him the admiration of many Filipinos. He put the country’s interests first and was willing to face international pressure to protect the nation’s rights.

As the Bible teaches about leadership, “The heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord” (Proverbs 21:1). Duterte’s leadership in foreign relations, particularly his unwavering commitment to protecting the Philippines’ sovereignty, reflected his determination to prioritize what was best for the country.

8. His Focus on Infrastructure Development

During his term, Duterte launched ambitious infrastructure projects under his “Build, Build, Build” program, which aimed to improve the country’s infrastructure and create jobs. This initiative gave many Filipinos hope for long-term growth and development. People saw this as a way to improve the economy, boost tourism, and create job opportunities.

This leadership trait ties in with a powerful quote by Peter Drucker: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” FPRRD’s focus on improving infrastructure reflected his vision of a better future for the Philippines, where Filipinos would have better access to opportunities and resources.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s Arrest and the ICC Case

Fast forward to 2025, and Duterte is now facing his biggest battle- an arrest by the ICC on charges of crimes against humanity. His war on drugs, which earned him both praise and condemnation, is now the very reason he stands accused.

When I first heard the news, I could not explain my feelings. Many of his supporters believe that the charges will eventually be dropped, as he only did what he thought was necessary to protect the country. However, one thing remains clear: Duterte’s influence on the Philippines cannot be erased regardless of what happens next.

As the Bible reminds us in Romans 13:1 (NIV), “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. God has established the authorities that exist.” This verse can be seen as a reminder of the responsibility and accountability that leaders must uphold, even in the face of hardship. FPRRD’s journey reflects this struggle- leaders are never exempt from scrutiny, regardless of their intentions.

What Makes a Great Leader?

Despite the controversies surrounding him, Duterte embodies many qualities of strong leadership. Looking beyond politics, FPPRD’s leadership style teaches us valuable lessons about leading a nation or any group of people.

1. A Great Leader Is Decisive

Duterte never hesitated when making decisions, even if they were unpopular. Indecisive leaders can weaken a nation, but strong decision-making (even when controversial) is a trait of authentic leadership.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) teaches, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Duterte’s leadership was marked by his trust in his convictions, moving forward with confidence, even when it was difficult.

2. Puts People First

Though some of his methods were harsh, Duterte always claimed to act in the best interest of Filipinos. His tough-on-crime policies were meant to make communities safer, even if criticized internationally.

Mark 10:45 (NIV) says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” A true leader serves the people, and Duterte’s focus on serving the Filipino public, though polarizing, was driven by this sense of responsibility.

3. Stands Firm Against Opposition

FPRRD was never afraid to challenge critics, whether they were local politicians or foreign leaders. While some saw this as arrogance, others saw it as confidence and strength.

Psalm 27:1 (NIV) states, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Like a leader who draws strength from a higher purpose, FPRRD stood firm against opposition unyielding in his vision for the country.

4. Relatable

Many leaders try to appear perfect, but Duterte’s flaws make him more human. People saw themselves in him- a man who spoke his mind and wasn’t afraid to show his imperfections.

Romans 12:3 (NIV) encourages, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, by the faith God has distributed to each of you.” Duterte’s authenticity was his strength; he didn’t hide his imperfections, and this relatability made him a figure many Filipinos could identify with.

5. Has Empathy

One of the defining characteristics of a great leader is empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. While many view strong leadership through the lens of decisiveness and action, empathy enables a leader to connect with the people they serve on a deeper level. A leader with empathy listens to their people’s concerns, considers their struggles, and makes decisions that reflect care and understanding.

Despite his tough exterior and often controversial policies, Rodrigo Duterte demonstrated moments of empathy throughout his presidency. His commitment to the Filipino people, mainly the marginalized and impoverished, was evident in his programs to provide accessible healthcare, housing, and educational opportunities. Duterte’s empathic leadership shone through his desire to uplift those often left behind by traditional systems.

Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV) says, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Duterte’s empathy was reflected in his leadership style, as he prioritized the welfare of the underprivileged, offering a voice to those who felt unheard.

Empathy doesn’t mean a leader must always please everyone or make popular decisions, but it does mean recognizing the people’s pain, struggles, and hopes. His focus on improving the lives of ordinary Filipinos, primarily through his poverty-alleviation programs and his stance on protecting Filipino workers abroad, speaks to his understanding of the issues that impact his country’s most vulnerable citizens.

A truly great leader combines strength with empathy, knowing when to act decisively and when to show compassion. His ability to connect with Filipinos on an emotional level is one of the reasons why, despite his controversial actions, many still feel a deep sense of loyalty and respect for him. Though not perfect, his leadership was rooted in a genuine desire to change the lives of those in need.

The Future of Duterte’s Legacy

With his trial at the ICC ongoing, Duterte’s future remains uncertain. But one thing is undeniable- his legacy is already cemented in Philippine history. Whether history will judge him as a hero or a villain depends on who you ask. For most Filipinos, Former President Rodrigo Duterte remains a symbol of hope for a better, safer, and more prosperous nation. His leadership may be far from perfect, but in the eyes of those who still stand by him, it is a leadership that showed the courage to challenge the status quo and the strength to stand up for what he believed was right.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s leadership has undeniably left a lasting impact on the Philippines. His firm stance on crime, particularly the war on drugs, earned him both praise and criticism. Many Filipinos saw him as a leader of action, prioritizing safety and order over bureaucracy. His policies transformed cities, improved infrastructure, and instilled a sense of discipline among the people. 

However, as with any leadership, there are complexities and consequences. While Duterte’s assertive approach to crime brought security to many, it also raised concerns about human rights and justice. Those who claim innocence in the war on drugs deserve to be heard, and their cases should be given due process. At the same time, it is also essential to acknowledge the reality of the drug problem and the destruction it has caused in the world. A fair and just society requires both accountability and compassion.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) ‘s role in upholding justice on a global scale is crucial. However, legal proceedings must be conducted fairly, considering the rule of law and the Philippines’ sovereignty. The situation calls for more profound understanding rather than division, where pursuing justice does not overshadow the need for national progress.

As Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) reminds us, “In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Only time will reveal whether Duterte’s path leads to redemption or continued controversy. The question is, will the Philippines ever see another leader like him? Or was Former President Rodrigo Duterte truly one of a kind? Only time will tell… For more leadership discussions, you can read more here. Voila! Until next time!

Image Sources:

“President Rodrigo Duterte delivers a message at the Metrobank Foundation’s Outstanding Filipinos awarding ceremony” by the Philippine Government, from Wikimedia Commons, link to the image.

Rodrigo Duterte and Salvador Medialdea on board the jet to The Hague on March 11, 2025″ by the Philippine Government, from Wikimedia Commons, link to the image.

Morandante, A. (Photographer). (2016, October 7). President Rodrigo Duterte delivers a speech during the National Banana Congress at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City [Photograph]. Presidential Communications Operations Office. Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:President_Rodrigo_Duterte_at_the_SMX_Convention_Center_in_Davao_City.jpg