Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, is once again at the center of controversy after remarks suggesting that rival senators should be killed to make way for candidates from his own political party. The incident occurred at a rally last week, where Duterte, known for his vulgar jokes and extreme statements, spoke to a crowd in support of the Philippine Democratic Party-Laban. In his address, he jokingly proposed killing incumbent senators to create vacancies, saying, “Let’s just kill incumbent senators so there will be vacancies. If we can kill fifteen senators, we can all get in. That would be a pity though. But they are very annoying.” He then added, “Talking of opportunities, the only way to do it is to use a bomb,” to cheers and laughter from the audience.
The comments have sparked outrage, prompting Brigadier General Nicolas Deloso Torre III, head of the criminal investigation division, to file a complaint of incitement to sedition. In a statement, Torre explained that such remarks, which were passed off as jokes, could incite real violence, referencing previous incidents where Duterte’s words were followed by action—most notably his violent “war on drugs” campaign.
Duterte’s statements come amid growing concerns over his legacy. He is already facing an investigation by the International Criminal Court for his brutal anti-drug crackdown, which has been linked to the extrajudicial killings of thousands of drug suspects. Human rights groups estimate that over 12,000 people, including many innocent bystanders, were killed during the operation, with many victims executed in cold blood, bound, and showing signs of torture. Duterte, who often boasted about his hands-on approach to killing criminals, is accused of personally taking part in these killings during his time as mayor of Davao City, where he earned a notorious reputation for his violent tactics.
While his presidency was marked by his harsh rhetoric and crackdown on crime, Duterte’s time in office was also filled with shocking moments that left a lasting impact on the country. One of the most infamous incidents came in 2015 when Duterte, then mayor of Davao, called Pope Francis a “son of a whore” after a traffic jam caused by the Pope’s visit to the Philippines. This outburst was emblematic of his disregard for authority and his tendency to use crude language, which endeared him to his supporters but alienated critics.
Duterte’s approach to governance, often compared to the tactics of authoritarian regimes, was also marked by his strongman persona and controversial policies. He infamously made sexist jokes, calling women “beautiful” only if they were “pretty” enough to be “useful” to him. His comments frequently pushed boundaries, but his supporters, especially those frustrated by decades of corruption and instability in the country, embraced his no-nonsense rhetoric.
The recent remarks about bombing senators come in the midst of another brewing political crisis. Duterte’s daughter, Sara Duterte, who is also a prominent political figure, is embroiled in a scandal of her own. She is facing impeachment for allegedly plotting to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a startling development that signals the deepening rift between the Duterte and Marcos families. Once allies, the Duterte and Marcos factions were considered an unstoppable political force in the Philippines, but their relationship has soured in recent months. In a chilling statement, Sara Duterte revealed she had engaged a hitman to carry out revenge against Marcos if she were killed first, a claim that has raised serious concerns about the stability of the country’s leadership.
As Duterte’s controversial legacy continues to unfold, many Filipinos are left grappling with the lasting consequences of his presidency. His criminal investigation and the broader political turmoil surrounding his family highlight the deep divisions within the Philippines’ political landscape. While his supporters argue that his tough tactics were necessary to address the country’s longstanding issues with crime and corruption, others see his actions as an authoritarian overreach that has jeopardized the rule of law and human rights. With his daughter facing impeachment and his political influence still significant, the story of Duterte’s impact on the Philippines is far from over.
