03/27/2025
Note:
A mother of an 11-year-old recently messaged me and asked if I could create a simple article about the life of former President Rodrigo Duterte. She explained that her son had been searching for information about Duterte on Wikipedia but found it unappealing. She hopes that a more engaging and well-written account will capture her son’s interest. So here is the story:
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The Story of Rodrigo Duterte: From Humble Beginnings to a Leader of the Filipino People
By OPTIC Politics DEPO | March 27, 2025
In a quiet town in the Philippines called Maasin, Southern Leyte, a baby boy was born on March 28, 1945. His name was Rodrigo Roa Duterte. No one knew back then that this little boy, born to a hardworking lawyer and a loving school teacher, would one day grow up to lead an entire nation and inspire millions of Filipinos across the world.
A Simple Childhood
Rodrigo, or “Rody,” as his friends called him, had a simple life. His family didn’t have much, but they had enough to get by. His father, Vicente, taught him the importance of justice, and his mother, Soledad, showed him kindness and compassion. Soledad, or “Nanay Soling,” was known for helping people in their community, and Rody learned from her that being a leader meant caring for others.
Growing up, Rody loved riding his bicycle, climbing trees, and exploring the streets of Davao, where his family later moved. But like any boy, he sometimes got into trouble. His teachers often scolded him for being too mischievous, yet they noticed that Rody had a strong sense of fairness. He didn’t like seeing anyone being bullied and always stood up for what he believed was right.
A Young Man with Big Dreams
As he grew older, Rody decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and study law. He went to San Beda College in Manila, where he faced many challenges. It wasn’t easy, and sometimes he struggled, but Rody was determined. He eventually became a lawyer, ready to serve the Filipino people.
But Rody didn’t stop there. He saw that his hometown, Davao City, needed help. During that time, the city was filled with crime, and people were afraid to walk the streets at night. Rody wanted to change that. He decided to run for mayor and won.
The Mayor Who Made a Difference
As mayor of Davao City, Rody worked hard to make the city safer. He focused on stopping crime, helping the poor, and improving the lives of ordinary people. Some people called him “The Punisher” because of his strict approach to fighting crime, but many in Davao admired him for bringing peace and order to their city.
Under his leadership, parks were built, businesses grew, and families felt safer. Rody often rode his motorcycle around the city, visiting different neighborhoods to talk to people and understand their problems. He wasn’t like most politicians who stayed in fancy offices. He stayed close to the people and listened to their concerns.
Becoming the President
In 2016, the Philippines faced big challenges, including crime, corruption, and illegal drugs. Many Filipinos were tired of broken promises from past leaders, and they wanted someone who could bring real change. People began asking Rody to run for president.
At first, he didn’t want to. He loved Davao City and felt that his work there wasn’t finished. But after hearing the pleas of many Filipinos, Rody finally agreed. He ran for president with a simple message: “Change is coming.”
His campaign was different. He didn’t promise fancy things or make big speeches. He spoke from the heart, using simple words that ordinary people could understand. Millions of Filipinos believed in him, and in 2016, Rodrigo Duterte became the 16th President of the Philippines.
The Leader Who Worked for the People
As president, Rody worked tirelessly to protect the Filipino people, especially the younger generation, from the dangers of crime, illegal drugs, and corruption. He also launched significant projects that made life better for millions of Filipinos:
1. Build, Build, Build Program
This massive infrastructure program improved transportation and boosted the economy. President Duterte oversaw the construction of new airports, highways, bridges, and seaports, including:
• The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, the longest bridge in the Philippines.
• Clark International Airport’s new terminal, which made traveling easier and faster.
• The Skyway Stage 3, which helped reduce traffic in Metro Manila.
2. Free College Education
One of President Duterte’s major achievements was providing free tuition for students in state universities and colleges. This helped many young Filipinos fulfill their dreams of getting a college education without worrying about expensive tuition fees.
3. Universal Healthcare Law
President Duterte signed the Universal Healthcare Law, making healthcare more accessible to all Filipinos. This ensured that even the poorest families could visit doctors and get the treatment they needed without worrying about high hospital bills.
4. War on Illegal Drugs
Rody launched a tough campaign to stop the spread of illegal drugs, aiming to protect families and children from the dangers of addiction. His efforts were controversial, but many believed they helped reduce crime and made communities safer.
5. Salary Increases for Teachers and Soldiers
President Duterte also increased the salaries of teachers, soldiers, and police officers to recognize their hard work and dedication. This helped improve the lives of those who serve the country.
A Shocking Betrayal
After stepping down as president in 2022, Rody returned to Davao, thinking he would finally enjoy a peaceful retirement. But something unexpected happened. The new government under President Marcos, who once claimed to support Rody’s policies, suddenly turned against him.
In a shocking move, the Marcos government facilitated Rody’s arrest and sent him to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. His only “crime” was that he had worked hard to protect Filipinos from the evils of criminality, drugs, and corruption. This betrayal left many Filipinos outraged.
Worldwide Anger and Calls for Justice
When news of Rody’s detention at The Hague spread, Filipinos all over the world were furious. They knew that he had only acted out of love for his country and his people. Protests erupted in different countries, with Filipinos demanding Rody’s safe return.
People remembered how he had risked everything to protect them and how he had always put the welfare of ordinary Filipinos first. They began to call for justice, saying that Rody should be freed and allowed to return home.
The Legacy of Rodrigo Duterte
Rody’s story is a powerful reminder that true leadership means standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult. His life teaches us that being a leader is not about seeking praise or avoiding criticism—it’s about doing what’s best for the people, no matter the cost.
Even in detention, Rody remains a symbol of courage, resilience, and love for country. His story continues to inspire millions of Filipinos who believe in justice, fairness, and the importance of protecting future generations.
For young Filipinos like you, Rodrigo Duterte’s journey is proof that anyone, no matter how humble their beginnings, can make a difference if they stay true to their values and have the courage to fight for what is right.
