Duterte: Worst president ever?

October 17, 2024

MANILA – Not long ago, the ultimate turncoat in modern Philippine politics slyly boasted of the so-called “Duterte magic.” His characteristically sycophant intervention came shortly after his patron, Vice President Sara Duterte indulged in a Digong-style chutzpah by claiming that as many as three Dutertes will be running for the country’s highest chamber next year. “All of them are [planning] to run [for Senate],” she told reporters during a visit to Cagayan de Oro in late June. “[Sebastian] Baste Duterte will run for senator and [then] he will run in 2028 (for) president.”

It was a calculated show of force, as she steadily styled herself as an opposition leader and, crucially, prepared for a direct clash with the legislature for the annual budget hearing. Over the next three months, however, the Dutertes would have a rude political awakening. Sara Duterte would be repeatedly exposed and humiliated in various legislative hearings, which only strengthened the case for her impeachment. Her approval and satisfaction ratings also suffered significantly, with barely a third of Filipinos in the National Capital Region sympathizing with her. As for ex-human rights lawyer Harry Roque, well, he would end up as a fugitive.

The collapsing fortunes of the House of Duterte were on full display during the filing of the certificate of candidacy for next year’s elections. Recognizing their dismal numbers in authoritative surveys, neither of Sara’s brothers dared to run for a national post.

The family’s patriarch flirted with the idea of running for senator but he eventually decided to sidetrack his bumbling son, whose legendary incompetence and vacuous populism created a dangerous opening for rivals. Famed for their