Who could have thought that a town mayor from Davao, Mindanao would rise as the 16th President of the Philippines? Through crucial and stern battles during the political campaign, President Duterte managed to win the hearts of the people. Some people might have an unfair judgment about him. Labeled as this and that and so and so from various opponents, President Duterte remained firm. He became the first president coming from the Mindanao region and the oldest president of the Philippines. Besides, President Duterte became the first Philippine president to handle and have worked in the three government jurisdictions – executive, judiciary, and legislative bodies. Of course, you probably knew about him in his political rants, but you never had the chance to learn three things about his character, his sense of humanity, and his soft spot.
A Loving Husband
Many people did not know about the president and his emotional side. As the PDP-Laban Chairperson, he worked so hard to accomplish his political task. However, he never failed to love his loved one known to many as Honeylet Avanceña. As a husband, he provided everything and took good care of his wife and children. He could be the best person to speak about time management since he multitasked to support his family, to fulfill this political task, and to lead the country. Like an ordinary man and significant other, President Duterte lived by example as a good and loving husband.
A Caring Father
President Rodrigo Duterte has always been an exceptional and reputable father. As a father of some, he equally treated his children and raised them properly. He became a role model for his children. The fact is, his children followed his footsteps to become leaders and to lead the people. His firm decision and his strong personality allowed him to discipline his children that inspired them to become one. Additionally, most of his children have held offices from various districts and regions. This position in life could prove that his fathership worked well.
A Respectable Leader
President Duterte managed to handle the demanding challenges of his time. From the Marawi Siege to the COVID-19 pandemic, he managed to provide assistance and care for his people. His immediate actions to solve the problems made people feel safe and secure. There might be other people who jeopardized his actions and decisions to delay his urgent assistance to people; however, he made clearer actions and decisions to penalize those who violated his mandates. In terms of providing the Social Amelioration Program (SAP), he immediately issued assistance to the people. Some people might not receive their assistance from the government and felt bad about it. However, the President clarified that he would punish those people who stole the money instead of assisting the people, especially the poorest among the poor. Because of that, people respected him.
Indeed, President Rodrigo R. Duterte thrived in all challenges. He managed to confront all difficulties in political and social life. He beat all the odds. Though he received reproach here and abroad, he prospered in whatever decisions he made.
Photo credit: Manila Bulletin
