Why Filipinos should not fight over Duterte: A Good Friday reflection, a look at the bigger picture
Politics evolve: It's time for Filipinos to look forward, rather than fight over the past
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In the often fiery world of Philippine politics, few names ignite as much passion and division as Rodrigo Duterte.
Loved by many, assailed by others, his six-year term as president (2016–2022) left a profound mark on the country.
On Good Friday, as we look at our collective lives this 2025 and beyond, as the political arena continues to evolve, it's time for Filipinos to look forward rather than fight over the past.
Here's why:
#1. The Constitution has spoken: 6-year term limit
The Philippine Constitution is clear: a president can only serve one six-year term. This provision was created to prevent the return of authoritarian rule and to ensure peaceful and democratic transitions of power.
Duterte stepped down in 2022 in accordance with this law. Whatever your opinion of his presidency, his time in office is constitutionally over — and that's how democracy works.
Prolonged political bickering over a past leader distracts from the pressing issues of today.
#2. Infrastructure got a serious upgrade
Under Duterte's 'Build, Build, Build' drive, the country witnessed a significant push in infrastructure. Hundreds of roads, bridges, airports, and seaports were built or modernized.
Projects like the Metro Manila Subway, Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, airports, rail and the New Clark City were either completed or kicked into high gear.
This was a foundational boost that future administrations can — and should — build upon, rather than tearing each other down in political turf wars.
#3. Economic growth, GDP rise
Despite challenges like the pandemic, the Philippine economy under Duterte saw substantial growth, especially in the earlier years. The GDP grew by over 6% annually pre-COVID, and the country was on track to reach upper middle-income status. Recovery has since resumed post-pandemic.
Rather than dividing over political loyalties, Filipinos should focus on economic continuity and how to sustain this growth for the benefit of all.
#4. PPP rules improved for better investments
Under Duterte's watch, the administration updated and streamlined rules for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) — a legacy of the Corazon Aquino Administration – a major win for both local development and foreign investment.
These changes have made it easier for private companies to collaborate with the government on infrastructure and services, from transport to digital networks. Instead of revisiting past rivalries, the national conversation should focus on how to maximize these tools for progress across regions.
#5. New laws with long-term impact
During Duterte's term, Congress passed numerous laws with long-lasting effects, such as:
The Universal Health Care Act
The Free College Tuition Law
The Ease of Doing Business Act
The Bangsamoro Organic Law
Public Service Act (amended Commonewealth Act No. 146)
EVIDA, Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act
These are not 'Duterte laws' or 'Dilawan laws' — they are Filipino laws designed to benefit current and future generations.
It's far more productive to evaluate and improve these laws than to fight over who gets credit.
#6. Focus on the present, and future
'Forget what lies behind, set your eyes on the prize.' The Philippines is a rich country, endowed resources (think nickel, gold, copper, hydropower, geothermal power, manganese, oil/gas). Freeflowing rivers and abundant marine resources.
Best of all: the country has a young population. Put those brains and muscles to productive work and you'll have an unbeatable generation. The energy spent defending or attacking a past president could be better used tackling today's challenges — like inflation, energy sustainability, education reform, climate change, and digital transformation.
Takeaways
Duterte had his chapter in Philippine history. He followed the constitutional rules, implemented major reforms, and handed the reins to the next administration.
Let history assess Duterte's legacy, but let Filipinos today decide what comes next. Unity doesn't mean forgetting the past — it means choosing not to be trapped by it.
We're all running the race to win: the real question isn't whether to praise or condemn Duterte — it's how to move forward as a nation, together.
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Accompanying this are unprecedented levels of identity-based polarisation and a relentless hate campaign, fostering the 'othering' of fellow citizens in both economic and social spheres. Thus, the present assault on democracy and constitutional principles is far more insidious. It has led to the rise of institutionalised authoritarianism – or what some observers term 'electoral autocracy.' In the Indian context, this authoritarian shift has been spearheaded by the RSS, injecting the toxic ideology of Hindutva, which seeks to fundamentally transform the very idea of India. This idea of India – born from the anti-colonial struggle – was anchored in a democratic, secular, socially just, and federal republic. The current onslaught is therefore more pervasive and stifling, aimed at dismantling the foundational principles of Indian citizenship. In hindsight, the 1975 Emergency now appears almost amateurish compared to the full-fledged authoritarianism we are experiencing today. 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