Divining Duterte: Perspectives, Policies, Performance

A critical look at Duterte’s time in office as the 16th
president of the Philippines

Filipinos eventually had to acknowledge early on the truth that they were not exactly sure how to deal with the person they had elected. Several of the early columns on Mr. Duterte reflected on the conundrum that Duterte presented to the public, as he maintained high approval and trust ratings, while pushing policies that respondents of the same opinion poll rejected. Filipinos learned, of course, as they moved forward and the president began to reveal more and more of himself to the public in challenging political situations, particularly in the latest and most formidable threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.