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The Global Story

A reckoning for Duterte

Mar 12, 2025
Jonathan Head, BBC's Southeast Asia correspondent, dives into the controversial legacy of Rodrigo Duterte, the former Philippine president now facing charges from the International Criminal Court. They discuss the dark appeal of Duterte's harsh anti-drug policies, which resonated with many amidst poverty and crime. The conversation reveals the intricacies of his arrest and its implications for political dynamics in the Philippines, shedding light on a polarized society grappling with justice and the human cost of Duterte's brutal campaigns.
26:09

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Quick takeaways

  • Duterte's presidency was marked by a violent anti-drug campaign that, while initially popular, failed to solve deeper societal issues.
  • His arrest by the International Criminal Court highlights the complex political dynamics in the Philippines, sparking divided public opinion among his supporters.

Deep dives

The Brutal Campaign Against Drugs

Rodrigo Duterte's presidency was characterized by a brutal anti-drug campaign that resulted in approximately 30,000 extrajudicial killings. His use of harsh rhetoric and aggressive tactics resonated with many Filipinos who felt their country was plagued by crime and corruption. Despite the apparent short-term reduction in crime, this violent approach failed to address the underlying issues, with drug trafficking and criminal activities continuing to thrive. The brutality of police operations left lasting scars on communities, leading to grief and fear among the families of victims who were often innocent individuals.

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