Duterte Drug War Legacy - Tough Leader or Human Rights Offender?

Manila - Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte remains unapologetic about his aggressive war on drugs, a campaign that led to thousands of deaths and international scrutiny. His hardline approach, which involved extrajudicial killings and widespread police operations, earned him both fervent supporters and harsh critics.  

Duterte launched the anti-drug campaign in 2016, vowing to eradicate the drug menace within months. However, the operation soon spiraled into a human rights crisis, with allegations of unlawful executions and abuses. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has been investigating Duterte’s administration for possible crimes against humanity, though he continues to dismiss such accusations as Western interference.  

Supporters argue that Duterte’s policies brought tangible results. Crime rates dropped significantly during his tenure, and many Filipinos credited him with restoring law and order in crime-ridden areas. His administration maintained high approval ratings throughout his presidency, reflecting public support for his iron-fisted rule.  

As the Philippines moves forward under new leadership, the shadow of Duterte’s drug war lingers. Will his policies be viewed as necessary actions against crime, or will history judge them as grave human rights violations? The world remains divided on the true impact of Duterte’s rule, and the fight for justice is far from over.