12 August 2016
- RSIS
- Media Highlights
- A Look at Philippine President Duterte’s Latest Aggressive Actions
In the five weeks since inauguration, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s brash ways have consistently made headlines, both at home and abroad. This month alone, the leader—nicknamed Duterte Harry and The Punisher—has threatened the mining sector with mass closures, vowed to “destroy oligarchs,” and insulted the U.S. ambassador to the country.
These moves, however unorthodox for a head of state, are reflective of Duterte’s promise to clean up the country that captured the hearts of the Philippine electorate. Strategists widely note that the leader’s no-nonsense candor and tough-man approach is driven by his focus on internal law and order, which he deems essential to economic development.
A deeper look into the President’s recent actions revealed just how confident he was in his agenda.
… “Duterte should be aware that his inflammatory rhetoric should not affect the country’s economy and diplomatic ties at any costs,” noted Phidel Vineles, senior analyst at the Centre for Multilateralism Studies at Nanyang Technological University.
CMS / Online
Last updated on 15/08/2016