Rodrigo Duterte facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rodrigo Roa Duterte
KGCR
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Official portrait, 2016
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| 16th President of the Philippines | |
| In office June 30, 2016 – June 30, 2022 |
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| Vice President | Leni Robredo |
| Preceded by | Benigno Aquino III |
| Succeeded by | Bongbong Marcos |
| Mayor of Davao City | |
| In office June 30, 2013 – June 30, 2016 |
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| Vice Mayor | Paolo Duterte |
| Preceded by | Sara Duterte |
| Succeeded by | Sara Duterte |
| In office June 30, 2001 – June 30, 2010 |
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| Vice Mayor | Luis Bonguyan (2001–07) Sara Duterte (2007–10) |
| Preceded by | Benjamin de Guzman |
| Succeeded by | Sara Duterte |
| In office February 2, 1988 – June 30, 1998 |
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| Vice Mayor | Dominador Zuño Jr. (acting) Luis Bonguyan Benjamin de Guzman |
| Preceded by | Jacinto Rubillar |
| Succeeded by | Benjamin de Guzman |
| Vice Mayor of Davao City | |
| In office June 30, 2010 – June 30, 2013 |
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| Mayor | Sara Duterte |
| Preceded by | Sara Duterte |
| Succeeded by | Paolo Duterte |
| In office May 2, 1986 – November 27, 1987 Officer In Charge |
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| Mayor | Zafiro Respicio |
| Preceded by | Cornelio Maskariño |
| Succeeded by | Gilbert Abellera |
| Member of the House of Representatives from Davao City's 1st district | |
| In office June 30, 1998 – June 30, 2001 |
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| Preceded by | Prospero Nograles |
| Succeeded by | Prospero Nograles |
| Chairman of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino | |
| Assumed office February 7, 2016 |
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| President | Koko Pimentel Manny Pacquiao Alfonso Cusi Jose Alvarez |
| Preceded by | Ismael Sueno |
| Chairman of the Davao City Liberal Party | |
| In office 2009 – February 21, 2015 |
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| Preceded by | Peter T. Laviña |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Rodrigo Roa Duterte
March 28, 1945 Maasin, Leyte, Philippine Commonwealth |
| Political party | PDP (1998–2009; 2015–present) |
| Other political affiliations |
Liberal (2009–2015) Nacionalista (1990–1998) Lakas ng Dabaw (1988) Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod (local party; 2011–present) |
| Spouse |
Elizabeth Zimmerman
(m. 1973; annulled 2000) |
| Domestic partners | Honeylet Avanceña (c. 1996–present) |
| Children | |
| Parents | Vicente Duterte Soledad Roa |
| Residence | Davao City |
| Education | Holy Cross College of Digos (secondary) |
| Alma mater | Lyceum of the Philippines University (BA) San Beda College (LL.B) |
| Signature |  |
Rodrigo Roa Duterte KGCR ( born March 28, 1945), also known as Digong, Rody, and by the initials DU30 and PRRD, is a Filipino lawyer and politician who served as the 16th president of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022. He is the chairperson of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (formerly PDP–Laban), the ruling political party in the Philippines during his presidency. Duterte is the first president of the Philippines to be from Mindanao, and is the oldest person to assume office, beginning his term at age 71.
Early life
Rodrigo Roa Duterte was born on March 28, 1945, in Maasin, Southern Leyte. His father was Vicente Gonzales Duterte (1911–1968), a Cebuano lawyer, and his mother, Soledad Gonzales Roa (1916–2012), was a schoolteacher from Cabadbaran, Agusan and a civic leader of Maranao descent. Duterte has said that his grandfather was Chinese and hailed from Xiamen in Fujian, China. Duterte has four siblings: Eleanor, Jocelyn, Emmanuel and Benjamin.
Duterte's father was mayor of Danao, Cebu, and subsequently the provincial governor of (the then-undivided) Davao province. Rodrigo's cousin Ronald was mayor of Cebu City from 1983 to 1986. Ronald's father, Ramon Duterte, also held that position from 1957 to 1959. The Dutertes consider the Cebu-based political families of the Durano and the Almendras clan as relatives. Duterte also has relatives from the Roa clan in Leyte through his mother's side. Duterte's family lived in Maasin, and in his father's hometown in Danao, until he was four years old. Duterte was heavily influenced by his mother, who unlike Vicente was a staunch anti-Marcos activist, which led the young Duterte to have a divided opinion on the Marcoses. Duterte later said Marcos could have been the best president, but unfortunately he was a dictator. The Dutertes initially moved to Mindanao in 1948 but still went back and forth to the Visayas until 1949. They finally settled in the Davao Region in 1950. Vicente worked as a lawyer engaged in private practice. Soledad worked as a teacher until 1952, when Vicente entered politics.
Education and early law career
Duterte went to Laboon Elementary School in Maasin for a year. He spent his remaining elementary days at Santa Ana Elementary School in Davao City, where he completed his primary education in 1956. He finished his secondary education in the High School Department of Holy Cross College of Digos (now Cor Jesu College) in Digos, Davao province, after being expelled twice from previous schools, including one in the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) High School due to misconduct. He graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science at the Lyceum of the Philippines in Manila.
He obtained a law degree from San Beda College of Law in 1972. In the same year, he passed the bar exam. Duterte eventually became a special counsel at the City Prosecution Office in Davao City from 1977 to 1979, fourth assistant city prosecutor from 1979 to 1981, third assistant city prosecutor from 1981 to 1983, and second assistant city prosecutor from 1983 to 1986.
Political career
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Duterte was elected vice mayor and, subsequently, mayor of Davao City in the wake of the 1986 People Power Revolution. He served as mayor of Davao for over 22 years, during which the once crime-ridden city became peaceful and investor-friendly.
Duterte's 2016 presidential campaign led to his election victory.
Presidency (2016–2022)
| Presidential styles of Rodrigo Duterte |
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| Reference style | President Duterte, His Excellency (rarely used) |
| Spoken style | Your Excellency (rarely used) |
| Alternative style | Mr. President, President Mayor |
Duterte was inaugurated as the sixteenth president of the Philippines on June 30, 2016, succeeding Benigno Aquino III. At age 71, Duterte became the oldest person elected to the presidency.
During his presidency, his domestic policy focused on fighting crime and corruption. He intensified efforts against terrorism and communist insurgency. He launched a massive infrastructure plan, initiated liberal economic reforms, streamlined government processes, and proposed a shift to a federal system of government which was ultimately unsuccessful.
He also oversaw the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He declared the intention to pursue an "independent foreign policy", and strengthened relations with China and Russia.
Economic policy
Duterte's socioeconomic policies, referred to as DuterteNomics, include tax reform, infrastructure development, social protection programs, and other policies to promote economic growth and human development in the country. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has said that the government required what he describes as an "audacious" economic strategy in order for the Philippines to "catch up with its more vibrant neighbors" by 2022 and help it achieve high-income economy status within a generation. The term DuterteNomics was coined to describe the economic policy of the Duterte administration.
Duterte initiated liberal economic reforms to attract foreign investors. In March 2022, he signed Republic Act No. 11647 which amended the Foreign Investment Act of 1991, effectively relaxing restrictions on foreign investments by allowing foreigners to invest in a local enterprise up to 100% of its capital. He signed Republic Act No. 11659, amending the 85-year-old Public Service Act, allowing full foreign ownership of public services, which include airports, expressways, railways, telecommunications, and shipping industries, in the country.
Duterte reformed the country's tax system in an effort to make the country's tax system fairer, simpler, and more efficient. In December 2017, he signed Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law (TRAIN Law) which excludes those earning an annual taxable income of ₱250,000 and below from paying the personal income tax, while raising higher excise taxes on vehicles, sugar-sweetened beverages, petroleum products, tobacco and other non-essential goods. Revenues collected from the TRAIN law will help fund the administration's massive infrastructure program. In March 2021, to attract more investments and maintain fiscal stability, Duterte signed the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, reducing the 30 percent corporate income tax rate to 25 percent for firms with assets above ₱100 million and to 20 percent for smaller firms. Duterte raised sin taxes on tobacco and vapor products in July 2019, and alcohol beverages and electronic cigarettes in January 2020, to fund the Universal Health Care Act and reduce incidence of deaths and diseases associated with smoking and alcohol consumption.
Infrastructure development
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To reduce poverty, encourage economic growth, and reduce congestion in Metro Manila, the Duterte administration launched its comprehensive infrastructure program, Build, Build, Build, on April 18, 2017. The program, which forms part of the administration's socioeconomic policy, aimed to usher in the country's "Golden Age of Infrastructure" by increasing the share of spending on public infrastructure in the country's gross domestic product (GDP) from 5.4 percent in 2017 to 7.4 percent in 2022. The administration, in 2017, shifted its infrastructure funding policy from public-private partnerships (PPPs) of previous administrations to government revenues and official development assistance (ODA), particularly from Japan and China, but has since October 2019 engaged with the private sector for additional funding.
The administration revised its list of Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs) under the Build, Build, Build program from 75 to 100 in November 2019, then to 104, and finally, to 112 in 2020, expanding its scope to include health, information and communications technology, and water infrastructure projects to support the country's economic growth and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Some major projects include the Subic-Clark Railway, the North–South Commuter Railway from New Clark City to Calamba, Laguna, the Metro Manila Subway, the expansion of Clark International Airport the Mindanao Railway (Tagum-Davao-Digos Segment), and the Luzon Spine Expressway Network By April 2022, 12 IFPs have been completed by the administration, while 88 IFPs, which were on their "advanced stage", have been passed on to the succeeding administration for completion.
From June 2016 to July 2021, a total of 29,264 kilometres (18,184 mi) of roads, 5,950 bridges, 11,340 flood control projects, 222 evacuation centers, and 150,149 elementary and secondary classrooms, and 653 COVID-19 facilities under the Build, Build, Build program had been completed.
Energy and climate
The Duterte administration initially adopted a "technology neutral" policy in energy generation. Earlier in his term, Duterte stressed that coal remains the most viable source of energy if the Philippines is to accelerate industrialization, and questioned the sanctions imposed by the United States and European Union on smaller countries including the Philippines when the country's carbon footprint is not significant compared to the superpowers.
The administration shifted its energy policy to prefer renewable sources of energy later in Duterte's term. At his fourth State of the Nation address in July 2019, Duterte issued an order to cut coal dependence and hasten a transition to renewable energy. In October 2020, the energy department issued a moratorium on the construction of new coal power plants and favored renewable energy sources. On February 28, 2022, Duterte issued an executive order approving the inclusion of nuclear power in the country's energy mix.
To hasten the expansion of the nation's power capacity, Duterte established the inter-agency Energy Investment Coordinating Council tasked with simplifying and streamlining the approval process of big-ticket projects. On January 21, 2022, he signed a law promoting the use of microgrid systems in unserved and underserved areas to accelerate total electrification of the country. The administration made initiatives to liberalize the energy sector, allowing 100% foreign ownership in large-scale geothermal projects starting October 2020.
Duterte signed the Paris Agreement on Climate Change in March 2017, after initially having misgivings about the deal which he says might limit the country's industrialization. The Agreement was ratified by the Senate on March 15, 2017. Duterte said that rich countries producing the most carbon emissions must pay smaller countries for damage caused by climate change.
Government streamlining
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Duterte introduced reforms to eliminate red tape in the government, and ordered government agencies to remove all processes which are "redundant or burdensome" to the public. Three weeks after assuming office, he issued his second executive order establishing Freedom of Information, allowing citizens to obtain documents and records from public offices under the executive branch to promote transparency in the government.
In May 2018, Duterte signed the Ease of Doing Business Act which aims to create a better business environment by reducing processing time, cutting bureaucratic red tape, and eliminating corrupt practices in all government agencies. In December 2020, he enacted a law authorizing the President to expedite the processing and issuance of national and local permits, licenses, and certifications, by suspending its requirements, in times of national emergency.
Duterte institutionalized the 8888 Citizens' Complaint Hotline in October 2016, allowing the public to report complaints on poor government front-line services and corrupt practices in all government agencies.
Health care
Duterte vowed to improve the health care system, certifying the Universal Healthcare Bill as an urgent measure as early as July 2018. In February 2019, he signed the Universal Health Care Act, which automatically enrolls all Filipinos under the government's health insurance program. He also enacted the National Integrated Cancer Control Act which establishes a "national integrated" program to control and prevent cancer by making treatment more accessible and affordable, and the Philippine Mental Health Law, which provides free mental health services down to the barangay level while requiring hospitals to provide psychiatric, psychosocial and neurologic services.
In December 2019, Duterte signed a law institutionalizing Malasakit Centers in all hospitals run by the Department of Health, allowing indigent patients to efficiently access financial medical assistance from various government agencies.
Duterte ordered the full implementation of the Reproductive Health Law, banned smoking in public places nationwide, and set a price cap on select medicines.
Education
Duterte signed the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act in August 2017, providing free college education in all state universities and colleges nationwide. He signed a law establishing transnational higher education in the country, allowing foreign universities to offer degree programs in the Philippines in an effort to bring international quality standards and expertise into the country. He also signed medical scholarships for deserving students in state universities and colleges or partner private higher education institutions through the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act on December 23, 2020.
Duterte approved in January 2021 a law institutionalizing the alternative learning system (ALS), providing free education to those out of school. In March 2022, he enacted a law granting inclusive education for learners with disabilities.
On June 9, 2020, Duterte signed a law establishing the country's first National Academy of Sports in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac.
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Duerte initially announced his candidacy for vice president in the 2022 election; in October 2021, he said he was retiring from politics. The next month, he filed his candidacy for senator but withdrew it on December 14.
Post-presidency (2022–present)
Duerte initially announced his candidacy for vice president in the 2022 election; in October 2021, he said he was retiring from politics. The next month, he filed his candidacy for senator but withdrew it on December 14.
At the end of his term, Duterte returned to Davao City and kept a low profile until January 2023, when he resumed hosting his weekly show, Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa (From the Masses, For The Masses), on SMNI.
Personal life
Duterte is known for being an avid fan of big bikes, but detests luxury cars. He once owned a second-hand Harley-Davidson and a Yamaha Virago. He was once a habitual smoker, but he eventually quit after a doctor's suggestion due to health concerns. Duterte is an avid reader of Robert Ludlum and Sidney Sheldon novels. Duterte is also known for his straightforward and vocal attitude in public, especially in interviews.
Duterte has his own local show in Davao City called Gikan sa Masa, para sa Masa ("From the Masses, For the Masses"), which formerly aired as a blocktimer on ABS-CBN Davao, and currently broadcast on SMNI News Channel since 2023. He is also a member of Lex Talionis Fraternitas, a fraternity based in the San Beda College of Law and the Ateneo de Davao University.
Aside from his native Cebuano, Duterte is also fluent in Filipino and English.
While criticizing political opponent Antonio Trillanes in a 2019 speech, Duterte said that he was once gay but had "cured himself" before meeting his partner Elizabeth Zimmerman.
Since being the mayor of Davao City, Duterte has held an annual tradition of visiting children with cancer in the city and giving them Christmas gifts.
Family
Duterte's father, Vicente, died in 1968 while his mother, Soledad, died on February 4, 2012, at the age of 95. Duterte's then partner Elizabeth Abellana Zimmerman was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in 2015.
Until 2000 Duterte was married to Elizabeth Zimmerman, a flight attendant of Jewish and German American descent from Davao City. She traces her roots in Tuburan, Cebu. They together have three children (from eldest to youngest): Paolo ("Pulong"), Sara ("Inday Sara") and Sebastian ("Baste"). Paolo and Sara entered politics while Baste, with no interest in politics, concentrated on business and surfing but eventually ran and won as Davao City Vice Mayor in 2019. Sara was elected as Vice President in 2022.
In 1998, Zimmerman filed a petition in the Regional Trial Court in Pasig to nullify her marriage. Duterte never appeared in court and did not contest Zimmerman's petition. Two years later, the court decided in her favor, ending the 27-year marriage of Duterte and Zimmerman. Duterte and Zimmerman have since been on good terms.
Duterte is currently living with his common-law wife Cielito "Honeylet" Avanceña, a nurse, with whom he has one daughter named Veronica ("Kitty"). Duterte has eleven grandchildren, half of whom are Muslims and the other half Christian, and two great-grandchildren.
Religion
Duterte has described himself as Christian.
Honors and awards
Duterte declined an honorary doctor of laws degree offered by the University of the Philippines amid opposition from members of the university. On March 28, 2023, the Davao City Council passed a resolution declaring every March 28—Duterte's birthday—as "Duterte Day" in recognition for the "great and continuing contribution" of Duterte to the city and the Philippines. Duterte received an honorary Juris Doctor degree from his alma mater, San Beda College of Law, in November 2023.
National honors
- Knight Grand Cross of Rizal (KGCR) – (2017)
- Awards for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding (APPCU), Hall of Fame – (2023)
Foreign honors
Duterte was conferred an honorary doctorate degree for international relations or foreign diplomacy from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations on October 5, 2019.
Malaysia
Johor: Grand Knight of The Most Esteemed Order of Sultan Ibrahim of Johor, 1st Class (SMIJ) – Dato' (2019)
Brunei
- Sultan of Brunei Golden Jubilee Medal – (2017)
Images for kids
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Duterte in Arayat, Pampanga on September 27, 2016
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Duterte welcomes Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad following his release from Abu Sayyaf captivity.
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Duterte (2nd from right) presides over a meeting with the NTF-ELCAC at the Malacañang Palace on April 15, 2019.
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Duterte with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, May 2017
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Duterte presides over the 29th Cabinet Meeting at the Malacañang Palace on September 11, 2018.
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Duterte meets with the Filipino community in Jakarta, September 9, 2016.
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Duterte with US President Donald Trump in Manila, November 2017
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See also
In Spanish: Rodrigo Duterte para niños
- List of presidents of the Philippines
- List of presidents of the Philippines by previous executive experience
- Political positions of Rodrigo Duterte
