Why Filipinos need not fight over Duterte: A Good Friday reflection, a look at the bigger picture

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 this Good Friday, in the stillness of reflection, and as we mark Easter, we find ourselves at a crossroads.

The year is 2025, and the noise of politics grows louder as the May 12 midterm vote loom. The digital battlefield rages on — bots and trolls drowning out the voices of truth, civility, and reason.

Yet maybe, just maybe, this is our moment to pause.

To breathe.

To stop clawing at the wounds of the past — and instead, to fix our eyes on what lies ahead.

The future is not written.

But it can be shaped — if we choose hope over hate, and progress over division.

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:

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. 

[Special request: Share this with someone dear (who belongs to the "other camp") with greetings of peace and a joyful hope for the future.]