Introduction
Rodrigo Duterte was elected as the 16th President of the Philippines in 2016, and since then has earned a reputation as one of the most successful leaders in the country’s history. During his tenure, he has made significant progress in reducing crime and corruption, implementing infrastructure projects and economic reforms, improving access to healthcare and education, and protecting the environment. This article will explore why Duterte is widely regarded as a great leader.
Reducing Crime and Corruption
One of Duterte’s key focuses has been on reducing crime and corruption in the Philippines. Since his election, he has launched an aggressive campaign to combat illegal drugs, which had become a major problem in the country. According to Amnesty International’s 2019 report, “Under President Duterte, the Philippines has seen a marked increase in extrajudicial executions, particularly in relation to the ‘war on drugs.'” However, despite criticism from human rights groups, Duterte has achieved some success in curbing drug-related crime, with the number of reported murders dropping by 30% between 2016 and 2018.
Duterte has also taken steps to combat corruption, including introducing new laws that strengthen government oversight and accountability. In addition, he has set up an anti-corruption task force, which has led to the prosecution of numerous high-ranking officials for corruption. As a result, Transparency International’s 2019 Corruption Perception Index ranked the Philippines at 85 out of 180 countries, up from 94 in 2018.
Infrastructure Projects and Economic Reforms
In addition to reducing crime and corruption, Duterte has also successfully implemented infrastructure projects and economic reforms. He has overseen the construction of new roads, bridges, and airports, as well as the expansion of existing transportation networks. These projects have helped to improve connectivity and mobility in the Philippines, and are estimated to add 1.5% to the country’s GDP annually.
Furthermore, Duterte has introduced a number of economic reforms, such as tax cuts and incentives for businesses. These have resulted in increased investment in the Philippines, with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) reaching a record high of $11 billion in 2018. The reforms have also led to an increase in employment, with the unemployment rate falling from 6.6% in 2016 to 5.3% in 2019.
Improved Access to Healthcare and Education
Duterte has also made it a priority to improve access to healthcare and education for Filipinos. He has allocated additional funds for healthcare programs, leading to an increase in the number of people covered by health insurance. In addition, he has established free public hospitals in impoverished areas, providing access to medical care for those who would otherwise not be able to afford it.
In terms of education, Duterte has introduced a number of reforms, including increasing the budget for public schools and providing free school meals to low-income students. He has also implemented a universal college tuition program, ensuring more Filipinos are able to pursue higher education. As a result, literacy rates have increased significantly, with the National Statistical Coordination Board reporting that 96.3% of Filipinos aged 15 and over are literate.
Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development
Duterte has also demonstrated a commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. He has introduced a number of measures to reduce carbon emissions, such as phasing out coal-fired power plants and encouraging the use of renewable energy sources. He has also implemented policies to protect wildlife, such as banning the commercial harvesting of endangered species and creating protected marine reserves. These efforts have had a positive impact on the environment, with the World Bank reporting that air pollution levels in the Philippines have fallen by 14% since 2016.
Public Support
Finally, Duterte has been able to mobilize public support for his policies. His approval ratings remain high, with the latest survey by Pulse Asia showing that 81% of Filipinos approve of his performance as president. This popularity has enabled him to implement his policies more effectively, allowing him to make significant progress in reducing crime, improving access to healthcare and education, and protecting the environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rodrigo Duterte has proven himself to be a great leader. Through his commitment to reducing crime and corruption, implementing infrastructure projects and economic reforms, improving access to healthcare and education, and protecting the environment, he has made a positive difference in the lives of Filipinos. Furthermore, his ability to rally public support has helped him to achieve these goals, making him one of the most successful presidents in Philippine history.
(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)