Accomplishments of President Rodrigo Duterte, the 16th President of the Philippines, served from June 30, 2016, to June 30, 2022. His presidency was marked by a range of controversial policies, particularly in law and order, economic reforms, and foreign relations.
Big Accomplishments of President Rodrigo Duterte (2016-2022)
Below is a summary of his key accomplishments:
1. War on Drugs
Duterte’s most defining and controversial campaign was his aggressive stance against illegal drugs. The administration launched Oplan Tokhang, which sought to curb the country’s drug problem through police operations, and aimed at eradicating illegal drugs. As of the end of his term:
- More than 6,000 drug suspects were killed in anti-drug operations according to government reports (though rights groups estimate higher figures).
- 1.2 million drug users and pushers surrendered to authorities.
- Over 289,000 anti-drug operations were conducted, leading to the arrest of over 300,000 individuals.
Critics, including international human rights organizations, condemned the violent nature of the war on drugs, citing allegations of extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses. Iglesias, Explaining the Pattern of “War on Drugs” Violence in the Philippines under Duterte
2. Infrastructure Development – Build, Build, Build Program
Duterte prioritized massive infrastructure & local development to address the country’s backlog in public works through the Build, Build, Build program. This initiative aimed to modernize the country’s infrastructure by investing in roads, bridges, airports, and seaports. Key achievements include:
- Completed 29,264 kilometers of roads, including major highways and expressways.
- 5,950 bridges were constructed, widened, or rehabilitated.
- Major projects such as Metro Manila Subway, Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), Clark International Airport expansion, and Mindanao Railway were started during his term.
3. Economic Growth and Tax Reforms
Duterte’s administration implemented the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, which aimed to:
- Lower income taxes for the middle class.
- Simplify the tax system.
- Generate revenue for infrastructure projects by imposing higher taxes on fuel, sugary drinks, and other goods.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippines’ economy grew an average of 6.6% annually from 2016 to 2019. However, the economy contracted during the pandemic but was on a recovery path toward the end of his term.
4. Peace and Order
President Duterte focused on peace and order through efforts such as:
- Martial Law in Mindanao (2017-2019) following the Marawi Siege by ISIS-affiliated Maute Group, leading to the liberation of Marawi City.
- Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) was passed, establishing the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), a significant step towards lasting peace in the region. Find BARMM directory at MuslimSEO.com!
5. Foreign Policy and Independent Foreign Relations
Duterte sought to recalibrate Philippine foreign policy through:
- Pivot towards China and Russia, distancing from traditional Western allies, particularly the U.S., to explore new economic and defense partnerships.
- Despite tensions over the South China Sea, Duterte maintained strong economic relations with China, signing multiple bilateral agreements worth billions of pesos in investment pledges.
- Strengthened ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and enhanced economic cooperation with Japan and South Korea.
6. Social Welfare and Healthcare
Duterte’s administration expanded social welfare programs, particularly:
- The passage of Universal Health Care Law in 2019, which aimed to provide equitable access to quality and affordable healthcare services.
- Free Tertiary Education Act which allowed free tuition for students in state universities and colleges.
- Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) continued, benefiting millions of Filipino families, with Duterte expanding the program by institutionalizing it into law.
7. Handling of COVID-19 Pandemic
During the pandemic, Duterte faced the challenge of balancing public health and the economy. Key measures included:
- The establishment of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for pandemic response.
- Implementing community quarantines across various levels to contain the virus.
- Vaccination rollout: The administration achieved over 200 million doses of vaccines administered by the end of his term, with over 74 million Filipinos fully vaccinated.
While the handling of the pandemic was criticized at times due to the slow vaccine rollout early on, the government managed to secure a stable supply of vaccines by 2021.
8. Education and Skills Development
Duterte pushed for reforms in education and skills development to improve the labor force, including:
- Expansion of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) programs.
- Signed into law the Republic Act No. 10931, which provides free tuition for students enrolled in state universities, local universities, and other tertiary institutions.
9. Environmental Protection
President Duterte took actions to improve environmental management, including:
- The six-month closure of Boracay Island in 2018 to rehabilitate its ecosystem, followed by its reopening with stricter environmental policies.
- Initiated programs aimed at improving the country’s solid waste management, sustainable land use, and forest protection.
10. Anti-Corruption Efforts
Duterte vowed to address corruption, which was one of his core campaign promises:
- He established the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) and promised to fire erring officials. Several high-profile dismissals were made during his term.
- However, critics argue that corruption remained a persistent issue in government.
Project Information Summary
Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency was a time of significant change, marked by controversial policies and bold reforms. His administration left a lasting impact on the Philippines, particularly in areas of infrastructure development, law and order, peace initiatives, and foreign policy shifts. While his war on drugs and human rights record were globally criticized, Duterte remained a popular figure domestically, due to his focus on law and order, his “tough-on-crime” approach, and his efforts to uplift marginalized sectors.
