PHMANILA, Philippines - Rodrigo Duterte’s inauguration on June 30 as President of the Philippines has brought a sense of cautious optimism across all sectors of the society, which has clamored for a swift end to endemic corruption, inefficiency in the bureaucracy, income inequality, and the proliferation of armed groups and other lawless elements. Duterte’s rise can be understood as part and parcel of a broader collapse of barriers-to-power, which is transforming politics both in the Philippines and internationally. All over the world, “micropowers,” whether individuals, firms, or states, have found ways to undermine established players that previously served as the gatekeepers of power.
During his campaign, Duterte positioned himself as an alternative to traditional presidential candidates. His unorthodox demeanor appealed to many Filipinos, who saw him as unafraid to speak his mind, even to the extent of testing the limits of so-called “civilized” behavior. As a result, the millions of Filipinos that voted for him have high expectations for his presidency.
Given these expectations and the growing curiosity of foreign observers over the man nicknamed “The Punisher,” it makes sense to expound Duterte’s three overarching policy thrusts: reestablishing law and order, making Philippine growth inclusive and restructuring the Philippine system of government. These three thrusts are the means by which the Duterte administration will seek to turn his campaign promise of “Tunay na Pagbabago” or radical change into lived reality.
During his campaign, Duterte positioned himself as an alternative to traditional presidential candidates. His unorthodox demeanor appealed to many Filipinos, who saw him as unafraid to speak his mind, even to the extent of testing the limits of so-called “civilized” behavior. As a result, the millions of Filipinos that voted for him have high expectations for his presidency.
Given these expectations and the growing curiosity of foreign observers over the man nicknamed “The Punisher,” it makes sense to expound Duterte’s three overarching policy thrusts: reestablishing law and order, making Philippine growth inclusive and restructuring the Philippine system of government. These three thrusts are the means by which the Duterte administration will seek to turn his campaign promise of “Tunay na Pagbabago” or radical change into lived reality.