The Duterte Administration: Key Policies

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Post on Apr 07, 2025

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The Duterte Administration: Key Policies and Their Impact

The presidency of Rodrigo Duterte (2016-2022) in the Philippines was marked by a distinctive set of policies that significantly shaped the country's social, economic, and political landscape. This article will examine the key initiatives of the Duterte administration, analyzing their intended goals and their actual impact.

1. War on Drugs: A Controversial Campaign

Perhaps the most defining policy of the Duterte administration was its relentless "war on drugs." This campaign aimed to eradicate illegal drug use and trafficking through a combination of aggressive law enforcement, military operations, and a controversial shoot-to-kill policy.

Impacts of the War on Drugs:

• Reduced Crime Rates (Claimed): Supporters point to a decrease in certain types of crime as evidence of the campaign's success.
• Human Rights Concerns: The campaign has drawn intense international criticism due to numerous allegations of extrajudicial killings, human rights abuses, and due process violations. The high death toll remains a significant point of contention.
• Social Impact: The war on drugs had a profound social impact, affecting families, communities, and the overall sense of security within the country.

2. Infrastructure Development: "Build, Build, Build"

The "Build, Build, Build" program was a flagship infrastructure initiative aimed at modernizing the country's infrastructure through massive investments in transportation, energy, and other crucial sectors.

Impacts of Build, Build, Build:

• Improved Connectivity: The program led to the construction and improvement of roads, bridges, railways, and airports, enhancing connectivity across the archipelago.
• Economic Growth (Projected): The program aimed to stimulate economic growth by creating jobs and attracting foreign investment. The actual impact on economic growth is still being assessed.
• Debt Concerns: The large-scale borrowing required to finance the program raised concerns about increasing national debt.

3. Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law

The TRAIN law was a comprehensive tax reform package designed to simplify the tax system, broaden the tax base, and generate revenue for government programs.

Impacts of TRAIN Law:

• Increased Tax Revenue (Intended): The law aimed to increase tax revenue by lowering personal and corporate income tax rates while raising excise taxes on fuel, sugar-sweetened beverages, and automobiles.
• Impact on Prices: The increase in excise taxes led to higher prices for certain goods, impacting low-income households.
• Economic Stimulant (Debated): The intended effect of stimulating the economy through lower tax rates for businesses is still under debate.

4. Focus on Federalism: Shifting Power Dynamics

The Duterte administration championed a shift towards federalism, aiming to decentralize power and grant greater autonomy to local governments.

Impacts of Federalism Push:

• Political Reform (Unfinished): While the push for federalism was a key policy, significant constitutional changes needed to implement it fully were not achieved during his term.
• Regional Development (Potential): The envisioned benefits included enhanced regional development and better responsiveness to local needs.
• Political Opposition: The proposal faced considerable opposition due to concerns about potential disruptions and inequities.

5. Foreign Policy: Independent and Assertive

Duterte's foreign policy was characterized by an independent and assertive approach, particularly in relations with the United States and China.

Impacts on Foreign Policy:

• Shifting Alliances: The administration pursued closer ties with China while distancing itself somewhat from traditional allies like the US.
• South China Sea Disputes: The administration's approach to the South China Sea disputes was marked by a more conciliatory tone towards China, raising concerns among some sectors.
• International Relations: The shift in foreign policy resulted in both opportunities and challenges in the country's international relations.

Conclusion: A Legacy Under Scrutiny

The Duterte administration's policies left a complex and controversial legacy. While some initiatives, like the "Build, Build, Build" program, yielded tangible infrastructure improvements, others, notably the "war on drugs," remain heavily criticized due to their human rights implications. The long-term impact of these policies will continue to be debated and analyzed for years to come. Understanding their nuances is crucial for comprehending the Philippines' current political and social landscape.