The high level of respect for former President Rodrigo Duterte among many Filipinos can be attributed to several factors:
1. Strong Leadership Style: Duterte's decisive, tough-on-crime approach resonated with a large portion of the population, particularly his aggressive stance on illegal drugs. Many appreciated his ability to deliver on his promise to crack down on crime and corruption.
2. Popularity with the Working Class: Duterte's policies, rhetoric, and public image appealed to working-class Filipinos, who viewed him as a leader who understood their struggles and took decisive actions to improve their lives, especially with his emphasis on law and order.
3. Public Safety and Crime Reduction: Many Filipinos perceived a drop in crime rates and improvements in public safety during his administration, largely credited to his anti-drug campaign, which, though controversial, was seen as effective by his supporters.
4.Straightforward Communication:
Duterte was known for his blunt, sometimes crude, speaking style, which gave him a reputation for being genuine and transparent. This resonated with people who felt he spoke to them in a way that other politicians didn’t.
5. Anti-Establishment Appeal:
Many Filipinos saw Duterte as a political outsider who was not part of the traditional elite, and they appreciated his anti-elite and anti-establishment rhetoric. This populist appeal helped him gain support from people who felt neglected by previous administrations.
6. Infrastructure Development:
Duterte's "Build, Build, Build" program aimed to improve infrastructure in the Philippines, which was seen as a major step in modernizing the country and addressing traffic, transportation, and development issues.
7. Nationalism and Sovereignty:
Duterte took a more independent stance on foreign policy, distancing the Philippines from the U.S. and improving ties with China and Russia. His rhetoric about national sovereignty appealed to Filipinos who wanted the country to have a stronger, more independent global stance.
Despite controversies, including his human rights record and criticisms of extrajudicial killings, these factors contributed to the respect and support Duterte received from a significant portion of the Filipino population.
