Rodrigo Duterte — Profile, Rankings & Fame Trend

Summary

Updated 2026-06-21

The 16th president of the Philippines built a two-decade political career on lethal force against crime and drugs, rising from a southern city mayor to national office on explicit promises of extrajudicial killing. That same approach drove mass deaths during his presidency and made him the first Asian leader arrested and transferred to The Hague to face tria

Biography

About

Born in Maasin in 1945, Duterte moved to Davao as a child, studied political science and law, then worked as prosecutor before becoming mayor in 1986. Over 22 years and seven terms he transformed a crime-ridden city, openly stating he personally killed suspects and presiding over alleged Davao Death Squad operations that targeted drug users, petty criminals, and street children. That record became the foundation of his 2016 presidential run. At 71 he became the oldest president and the first from Mindanao, launching a drug war that drew international scrutiny, pursuing an infrastructure progra…

Voice

In their own words

Sourced, dated quotes from Rodrigo Duterte

Rodrigo Duterte

said5 Aug 2015

I don't care If I go to hell as long as the people I serve will live in paradise.

— Source: "Duterte: Look ma, cheap shoes no socks", (August 5, 2015)

Rodrigo Duterte

said14 May 2007

[On congressman Prospero Nograles during the 2007 Davao City elections] We've never been allies in the first place. There was never an alliance from the beginning.

— Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer, (May 14, 2007)

Rodrigo Duterte

saidDec 2006

[On his succession plan as Davao City mayor] I have been running this city alone for the past many years and whether I like it or not, I will retire.

— Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer, (December 2006)

Rodrigo Duterte

saidJun 2005

[On President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during the Hello Garci scandal] She should not answer it. All the issues are manufactured by them, so why would she answer?

— Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer, (June 2005)

Rodrigo Duterte

said23 Sep 2003

[On the assassination of broadcaster Jun Pala] But who would benefit from the death of Pala? Definitely not me because it just only paints black on my name.

— Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer, (September 23, 2003)

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