The Dual Character of President Duterte: Elite or Populist?

President Rodrigo Duterte has been a controversial figure, described by some as a 'demonic' leader due to his controversial public behavior. However, his policies and the perception of his leadership remain complex and multifaceted. This article delves into whether President Duterte was an elite or populist president, analyzing his actions and public reactions during his tenure.

Popularity and Perception

Despite the criticism, President Duterte's Popularity Polls

Throughout his term, President Duterte has maintained a high level of public support. This popularity is not just limited to his hometown of Davao, as it also extended to other parts of the Philippines. The election of Bongbong Marcos, another candidate with Duterte's political background, further underscores the enduring influence of his leadership.

Burot and His Political Legacy

Elite Leadership:

Some argue that President Duterte was more of an elite president who lacked tangible efforts to improve democratic processes and curb corruption. Critics like PDu30 of PDP Laban highlight a lack of significant changes in these areas. PDP Laban is a democratic socialist and populist party, implying that their programs often focused on broad societal needs rather than elite interests.

Populist Leadership:

Duterte’s presidency had deep populist roots. He was successful in lowering criminality and drug abuse, making crime rates drop by 64% during his term. This was reflected in the statements by the Philippine National Police (PNP). Furthermore, his administration introduced several programs that directly benefited the lower socioeconomic classes. These included:

Universal Healthcare Law and Malasakit Centers: The implementation of these programs provided free healthcare services to Filipinos, making medical care more accessible. Increase in Internet Speed: By threatening internet companies with shutdowns for poor service, Duterte managed to increase internet speeds by an average of 523% from 2017 to 2021. Infrastructure Development (Build, Build, Build): This infrastructure program aimed to improve the physical and economic landscape, creating millions of jobs and reducing unemployment rates. Free College Education: Duterte introduced free college education for public colleges, affecting over 2.46 million students by 2022. Cleanup and Rehabilitation Programs: Major cities and tourist areas received significant cleanup and rehabilitation through various initiatives, enhancing public spaces and economic opportunities.

Personal Opinions and Community Voice

Personal opinions on Duterte reflect a mix of admiration and critique. Many citizens view his leadership through the lens of their own experiences and the tangible results of his policies. For some, he is a beloved leader who brought positive change to their lives. For others, his controversial actions and public behavior remain a source of criticism and shame.

One such perspective is summed up by a fan who writes, 'Isn’t Digong Duterte awesome? He is my favorite president.' This indicates a broad spectrum of public opinion, with sincere appreciation for his efforts and policy outcomes coexisting with criticism of his more contentious actions.

Conclusion

President Duterte’s leadership was a blend of populism and elite policies. While he did not completely resolve issues such as corruption and democratic processes, his populist initiatives undoubtedly brought tangible benefits to a broad segment of the Filipino population. The enduring popularity of his successor, Bongbong Marcos, suggests that Duterte’s legacy as a populist president remains influential.