The Punisher,
The Catalyst for Change
More than 7, 107 islands with numerous numbers of seas, encircled by thousands of
mountains that were divided into 17 regions, with more than 100 million people, compose our
beloved country, the Philippines, and we are all governed by one strong man, our President,
Rodrigo Roa Duterte. But the big question that lingers in the mind of every Filipino is “Can this
man give the change every Filipino dreams of?”
Dubbed as “The Punisher” and “Dirty Harry of Davao,” President Rodrigo Duterte is said
to be among the rare breed of politicians who walk the talk. His ironclad leadership certainly does
not silence the critics, but had been instrumental in turning Davao City into the World’s 4th Safest
City. But controversies and media hype aside, does this tough-talking gentleman have the makings
of a great president?
Our 16th president was born on March 28, 1945, in the province of Maasin, Leyte, and was
nicknamed “Digong. His father served as the governor of Davao while his mother was a public
school teacher. He is the second of his parents’ five children. Digong started his education at
Laboon Elementary School in Maasin and he continued his studies at Santa Ana Elementary
School when their family shifted to Davao City. His high school education was not at all smooth.
After being expelled from two schools for unruly behavior, he was finally admitted to the High
School Department of Holy Cross College and ultimately completed his schooling from there. It
was not that he was a bad student. He just enjoyed hanging around with city toughs and became
street-smart, picking up their vocabulary and mannerism. Although it caused immense trouble
during his school days and earned him severe whipping at home, the experience later helped him
to connect with the masses. After passing out of school, he was sent to Manila and admitted to
Lyceum of the Philippines University and he graduated from there with a Bachelor of Arts degree
in Political Science. Subsequently, he entered San Beda College of Law and earned his degree in
1972. In the same year, he also cleared his bar examination.
As early as 1986, President Duterte has been active in the political area. He was never out
of politics. The credit for changing the very face of Davao City goes solely to him. Davao
City was awarded the ‘National Literacy Hall of Fame Award’ for qualifying for the
‘Outstanding Local Government Unit Highly Urbanized City category thrice.
Duterte’s war on drugs is one of his most important works that he undertook as the Mayor
of Davao City. Although many accuse him of human rights violations and extra-judicial killings
he was able to eradicate the danger and make the city free from drugs. As a Mayor, he also started
a war on crime. During his tenure, the crime rate went down drastically. Because of his ruthless
eradication of criminals, he has been dubbed as ‘The Punisher’ by Times Magazine.
Last June 30, 2016, he assumed the office of the President of the Philippines for a term
of six years. He is the first Mindanaoan President of the country. Just within almost three
months as a president, he already made big changes in our country, especially in terms of
criminality. Through his achievements, Filipinos are starting to see a silver lining behind
every dark clouds.
Though he became controversial because of the decisions he made, one thing is for
sure, he has turned a backwater city into a global benchmark. He is not that sophisticated. He is
that rarity – a plainspoken man who wants the world to work for everyone. Therein lies his
greatness. He is an ordinary man with ordinary dreams – the dream of a better life. What makes
him great is his willingness to defend your right to a fair share – your share of a decent life, a
happy home, and a peaceful nation.