Wazzup Pilipinas!?
Once hailed as a bold and uncompromising leader, former President Rodrigo Duterte's political legacy is undergoing a dramatic reassessment. While his fiery leadership and populist rhetoric captivated the nation during his presidency, a growing tide of investigations and revelations now threaten to unravel his image as a strongman who fought against crime and drugs.
A Legacy in Question
During his time in office, Duterte commanded an almost cult-like following. No other post-EDSA president achieved the same level of public trust and approval ratings as he did. Politicians showered him with praise, while government officials competed to win his favor. His reign was marked by his signature war on drugs — an initiative he touted as a crusade to rid the Philippines of illegal substances and criminality.
However, the sheen of his leadership is now marred by controversy. Investigations spearheaded by a coalition of House committees — widely perceived as politically charged due to the Marcos administration’s alignment — have unearthed allegations that could permanently stain Duterte’s legacy.
The Quad Committee's Damning Findings
Central to the investigation are testimonies that paint a drastically different picture of Duterte’s war on drugs. Far from being the unwavering anti-crime crusader, the findings allege Duterte played a key role in a criminal enterprise that profited from the very activities he claimed to eradicate.
According to witness statements, including retired policeman Arturo Lascañas — a self-confessed member of Duterte’s infamous Davao Death Squad — the former president was a “protector and gang leader” of drug lords, particularly in Davao City. Lascañas’ affidavit, which also underpins the International Criminal Court (ICC) case against Duterte, asserts that illegal drug operations flourished under Duterte's watch.
These revelations highlight Duterte's long-standing association with individuals like Michael Yang, a controversial businessman appointed as an economic adviser during his presidency. Yang’s alleged involvement in multi-billion-peso drug operations, corrupt procurement deals during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the proliferation of Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs) further deepens suspicions about Duterte's complicity.
Death and Dollars: A Brutal War
While Duterte's war on drugs resonated with Filipinos frustrated by rampant crime, it came at a horrifying cost. Police records reveal that an average of 39 suspected drug offenders were killed daily during the first two years of his administration.
The quad committee alleges that these killings were incentivized. Police officers and vigilantes were reportedly rewarded with taxpayer money for each suspect eliminated — a grim transaction that turned Duterte’s campaign into a machine of sanctioned violence.
Despite widespread reports of human rights abuses, Duterte’s supporters clung to his image as a decisive leader. Yet, as investigations continue, this "do-something" reputation increasingly appears to be a façade.
A Crumbling Stronghold
The inquiry into Duterte’s actions, coupled with a parallel investigation into Vice President Sara Duterte’s questionable use of confidential funds, has cast a shadow over the political future of the Duterte family. Once seen as untouchable, both father and daughter now face intense scrutiny that threatens to erode their political influence.
While Duterte remains defiant, the weight of mounting evidence and public disillusionment may prove overwhelming. For a man who built his reputation on swift action and unrelenting authority, the slow burn of accountability might be his greatest reckoning.
The Road Ahead
For Duterte, the quad committee investigation offers two possible paths: vindication, should the allegations prove unfounded, or condemnation, should the evidence hold. Either way, the inquiry represents a critical moment for Philippine democracy — a test of whether even the most powerful can be held accountable.
Duterte's supporters argue that his achievements outweigh the allegations, citing infrastructure projects and economic initiatives implemented during his term. However, for many, the enduring memory of his presidency will be the lives lost and the broken families left in the wake of his drug war.
A Tarnished Image
Duterte once thrived on his ability to command public perception. His “golden image” as a crime-busting hero served as both shield and sword against critics. Now, that image appears increasingly fragile, with cracks widening under the weight of testimonies, investigations, and the court of public opinion.
History will ultimately judge Rodrigo Duterte, but as revelations continue to unfold, one thing is clear: the legacy he sought to build is far from untouchable. In the face of evidence suggesting betrayal of the public trust, the former president’s mythos may soon collapse, leaving behind a cautionary tale of power, deception, and the pursuit of accountability.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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