Before Rodrigo Duterte became the 16th President of the Philippines, he was a man deeply rooted in the realities of his people. As mayor of Davao City, he built a reputation for being tough yet effective — a leader who walked the streets, listened to the concerns of ordinary citizens, and protected his city with an iron will.

Long before 2016, Duterte was offered key national positions — first as NBI Chief, then as DILG Secretary. Each time, he refused. When asked why, his answer was revealing: “I’m only good for the province. I will just create enemies, many will hate me, and many will die.”

He understood the burden of leadership — that his firm stance against crime, corruption, and lawlessness would invite powerful enemies. Davao’s transformation had come at a cost, and he knew a national campaign would multiply that challenge.

By 2015, however, the nation was desperate for change. The crime rate was soaring, terrorism threatened communities, corruption plagued institutions, and illegal drugs destroyed countless lives.

Calls for Duterte to run for president grew loud and louder, with ordinary Filipinos traveling to Davao to try and convince him. Still, he resisted, repeating his concerns.

Eventually, the call to duty outweighed his fears. He ran — not with a large campaign fund or powerful political machinery, but with the unwavering support of everyday Filipinos. The people believed in him because they saw in him what they longed for — a leader unafraid to speak the truth and take decisive action.

Duterte’s message was clear: fight criminality, terrorism, and corruption; stop the spread of illegal drugs; promote good governance.

His words were sharp, sometimes harsh, yet they resonated with a public weary of empty promises. He condemned criminals, corrupt officials, abusive police, and exploitative businessmen. He did not mince words — even cursing the Pope out of frustration over Manila’s traffic gridlock, an outburst that made headlines yet revealed his deep concern for the people’s suffering.

Despite controversies, the people believed in his sincerity — and they stood by him. People waited for hours just to hear him speak, drawn to his authenticity and resolve.

When he won the presidency, Duterte kept his word. Streets became safer. Ordinary citizens could walk at night without fear of being mugged, robbed, or attacked.

The police regained the public’s trust. Once feared for their corruption, officers began to uphold their duty with integrity.

Terrorism was crushed. By the end of Duterte’s term, most terrorist groups had either surrendered or been neutralized.

Corrupt businesses were exposed. Hoarders who manipulated the prices of basic goods were confronted, ensuring essential items remained accessible. Government offices were forced to shape up.

— Duterte’s leadership was defined not just by his tough stance, but by his clear instructions to government officials that were practical, no-nonsense, and people-centered.

When he assembled his Cabinet, Duterte set the tone for honest and servant leadership. His orders were simple yet powerful:

— No luxury cars for officials. Instead, he instructed his Cabinet to use pickup trucks so they could help stranded commuters during floods and emergencies. His message was clear — public service comes first.

— No corruption. Duterte demanded strict compliance with the law, warning that anyone caught engaging in corrupt practices would be removed immediately.

No dwelling on past mistakes. He discouraged wasting time on political vendettas against the previous administration. Instead, his focus was on moving forward and delivering results for the Filipino people.

His firm yet practical leadership inspired urgency and accountability among public servants. One clear example was his directive mayors to clear their streets of illegal obstructions within 30 days. He warned that failure to comply would result in their suspension or removal.

No excuses were accepted — and mayors nationwide scrambled to follow orders. In just weeks, roads that had long been choked with vendors, illegally built structures, and abandoned vehicles were cleared. Once congested chaotic streets became passable, proving that decisive leadership delivered swift results.

His war on drugs was intense — and yes, there were casualties. But behind the headlines, Duterte also invested in rehabilitation centers to help addicts recover. He understood that fighting crime required both enforcement and compassion.

Yet success came at a cost. In challenging criminals, syndicates, corrupt officials, and terrorists, Duterte made powerful enemies. Now, these same forces are working to destroy him.

Today, political persecution threatens to undo the legacy of a leader who risked everything for his country. Cases have been filed against him, and the International Criminal Court — with the cooperation of those in power — has arrested him. The same criminals, drug lords, and terrorists he fought are now celebrating.

Duterte never clung to power. He refused to extend his stay in Malacañang beyond his term. He even discouraged his daughter from running for president, believing that leadership is a burden, not a birthright.

Now, as these forces attempt to tear him down, the Filipino people must remember:

Who stood firm when criminals ruled the streets? Who restored order when corruption seemed impossible to defeat? Who protected the nation when terrorists threatened the peace?

Duterte fulfilled his promises to the Filipino people — and now he needs their support.

If we allow those who profit from crime, drugs, and corruption to erase the legacy of a leader who fought for us, what kind of nation are we?

Wake up, Filipinos. Defend a leader who dared to defend you.