Introduction
In 2017, the landscape of Philippine politics and governance experienced significant changes. This was a time when the defining traits of President Rodrigo Duterte's administration became more evident.
After winning the 2016 national election, he gained international attention and a degree of notoriety, marking a clear departure from the policies of his predecessor and creating a bold, unconventional public image. Throughout the year following his election, notable events unfolded that offered crucial insights into the evolving nature of Duterte brand of populism in the Philippines.
Rodrigo Duterte may no longer be president of the Philippines, but his political imprint is indelibly embedded in our politics. As the May 12 midterm elections loom, his influence is palpable in the tenor, wording, and arguments of the campaign. His influence—be it strength or burden—continues to define the country's political discourse.
The Enduring Myth of the Strongman
Duterte ended his term in 2022 with high approval ratings, which is highly unusual for Philippine presidents. Despite worldwide criticism of his bloody "war on drugs" and his subservience to China, millions of Filipinos, alarmed by the increase of crimes they widely attributed to drugs, accepted his persona as a hard-hitting, strong-minded leader who got things done.
No one can love Duterte more than our beloved OFWs. To them, giving their family a better life is the prime reason for their leaving home to live and work in strange lands. They depart from home with sorrow and trepidation. They worry constantly about what will happen to their loved ones back home while they are abroad.
Are their kids secure? Do they not have a drug addiction? They get sleepless every time they read or see news reports about horrible crimes like rape, robbery, and murder spreading throughout their country of love. During his six years in power, Duterte either fixed that issue or made great progress in that direction. To these millions, Duterte is their "Tatay Digong" (Father Digong).
Strongman Persona
For this reason, many personalities, candidates, and officials, especially those seeking national attention, continue to emulate Duterte's strongman persona. From their posturing to their speeches, references to Duterte’s blunt style thrive, indicating that the public's hunger for draconian leadership has not completely abated. For example:
Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa regularly emphasizes tough-on-crime rhetoric reminiscent of Duterte's war on drugs, often adopting Duterte's brazen speaking style. He was warmly praised when he pledged, in previous campaign rallies, to uphold Duterte's unyielding anti-crime posture.
Like Father, Like Daughter
Vice President Sara Duterte frequently adopts her father's direct, combative style. At rallies, she publicly attacked political rivals with sarcasm and bluntness reminiscent of her father, promising decisive leadership and unwavering discipline.
Citing Duterte's leadership style, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna recently took a more aggressive stand against illicit merchants and informal settlements. Her media declarations, which highlight swift action and express her intention to "cleanse Manila streets," directly reference Duterte's notorious urban discipline language. For example:
When talking about law and order issues, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque frequently brings up Duterte's name and his trademark blunt style. On many occasions, Roque has commended Duterte's directness. “Filipinos have learned not to take Duterte literally with his colorful language, but they have surely taken seriously the issues the president has espoused, such as the war on drugs and crime,” Roque has said
Is Duterte Still a Kingmaker?
As the elections approach, many candidates are competing for Duterte’s endorsement. Many would settle for at least an apparent connection with him. The Duterte brand still packs a lot of punch in crucial regions, mainly in Mindanao and the Visayas.
However, Duterte's political fortunes have not been exempt from the wear and tear of time. Political fatigue can test even the most solid of constituencies. While his magic might still invigorate a faithful electoral bloc, it may not deliver the same number of votes as it once did, much less guarantee a victory.
Furthermore, contentious issues surrounding Duterte's post-presidency- including uncertainties raised by his detractors, regardless of how malicious, about his wealth and his ongoing clashes with international human rights bodies—may weaken his influence.
Nonetheless, Duterte’s record of governance continues to enliven public debate. His brutal drug war, his moderately successful "Build, Build, Build" infrastructure campaign, and his repositioning of Philippine foreign policy, are now part of the nation's memory and list of talking points.
Candidates are forced to make a choice—either to defend Duterte’s legacy as a representation of authoritarian democracy or denounce it as a period marked by over-licentious force and creeping authoritarianism. These choices serve to test the political waters, as they shape alliances and sharpen distinctions, as well as divisions, among candidates.
The Marcos-Duterte Rift: A Political Earthquake
One of the most important events moving into the 2025 elections is the falling-out between Duterte and his daughter Sara on the one hand and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on the other. A powerful alliance during the 2022 elections, grandiosely called "Uniteam," has now cracked, not unlike tectonic plates, into two competing factions.
Duterte’s uninhibited criticism of the Marcos Jr. administration, including President Marcos' alleged drug use and his purported failure to govern effectively, has thrown the Marcos administration camp off-balance.
For voters, particularly those who once backed Uniteam, the bickering forces them to choose sides. Will they stay faithful to the Duterte family, align with Marcos Jr. for all his father's sordid legacy, or dump both?
Local Politics: Duterte’s Grassroots Stronghold
At the local level, Duterte’s influence remains entrenched. His allies continue to dominate mayoral and gubernatorial races in regions where his political style has deep roots, particularly in Davao and surrounding provinces.
The performance of these local allies will serve as a referendum on Duterte-style governance. If they win handily, it will be a sign that the Duterte brand still resonates with ordinary Filipinos; if not, it may indicate that the electorate is beginning to look beyond him.
Dutertismo Without Duterte?
Dutertismo—characterized by mass politics, tough police work, scorn for due process, and an anti-establishment message, has persisted even as Rodrigo Duterte has been politically absent for the last three years or so.
Candidates at all places and levels have espoused some elements of this approach, consciously or otherwise. But there are also signs that the movement is changing. Younger people want more complexity, and the vicissitudes of the pandemic have altered public perspectives and aspirations. How Dutertismo changes, fades or breaks up into smaller hybrids will probably depend on how the 2025 elections pan out.
Conclusion
Even after his presidency, Rodrigo Duterte continues to play a significant role in Philippine politics. His every comment, public engagement, and endorsement sends shockwaves through the political arena, often prompting a response from the Marcos Jr. administration.
In the end, Duterte's ability to shape narratives, even after leaving office, highlights his lasting impact on Pinoy politics. His endorsements are influential, his remarks ignite discussions nationwide, and his legacy—whether celebrated or criticized—remains at the forefront of political dialogue.
One clear takeaway is this: Duterte may have vacated the presidency, but the country has certainly not forgotten him. Whether through his endorsements, bold statements, or ongoing legal issues, the former president remains a figure who continues to elicit attention and reaction. At any rate, he has ensured himself a permanent place in the nation's notoriously forgetful and irreverent collective memory.
Rodrigo Duterte may no longer be president, but his shadow lingers. His influence still shapes the language, relationships, and tactics of Philippine politics. In the upcoming elections, more will be at stake than just seats in Congress and city councils. The polls will also reveal how much Duterte has transformed the country's political landscape. Does he still influence the country, or has it begun to outgrow him? The answer will come on May 12, 2025.
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