Rodrigo Duterte Archives

Rodrigo Duterte

World Politics

By Joanne Lu16 June 2017

Philippine civilians caught in crossfire between ISIS-backed rebels and government

As the battle continues between Islamic State-affiliated militants and the Philippine military in the southern city of Marawi, humanitarian agencies are scrambling to care for the hundreds of thousands of evacuees who have fled the devastation. An estimated 300 to 500 civilians remain trapped in the city, held hostage as ‘human shields’ for the rebels.

Human Rights

By Joanne Lu9 May 2017

Motion to impeach Duterte goes to House justice committee

The Philippines House of Representatives referred an impeachment bid against President Rodrigo Duterte to the justice committee today. Although Duterte’s allies hold the majority of seats in the House, opponents are urging the justice panel not to dismiss the complaint without a proper hearing.

World Politics

By Joanne Lu2 May 2017

North Korean threat not a good excuse to invite Duterte to White House, rights group says

Amid severe backlash from human rights advocates and members of Congress, the White House is defending President Donald Trump’s decision Saturday to invite Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to Washington as a necessary move to shore up alliances against North Korea. But human rights advocates say that excuse “doesn’t pass the laugh test.”

Human Rights

By Joanne Lu1 February 2017

Duterte pivots in drug war, calls off police, calls in military

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has suspended police from drug operations amid a corruption probe, but his bloody war on drugs will continue under the military and drug enforcement agency until the end of his term in 2022. Despite the investigation, Amnesty International warned in a report released Tuesday that the corruption traces to the “very top of government,” and the resulting killings that target the poor may amount to crimes against humanity.

Global Health

By Joanne Lu12 January 2017

Philippines president orders free contraceptives for 6 million women

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order to provide free access to contraceptives for 6 million women in an effort to reduce poverty, the Department of Health Commission on Population announced in a press release Wednesday.

Human Rights

By Joanne Lu20 December 2016

8 out of 10 Filipinos fear becoming victims of extrajudicial killings, survey says

Nearly eight out of every 10 Filipinos worry they or someone they know will become a victim of extrajudicial killings, according to the latest survey.

World Politics

By Tom Murphy3 November 2016

White House selective in arms deals where civilian deaths are concerned

One senator’s human rights objections prevented the U.S. from selling 26,000 assault rifles to the Philippines’ national police, according to new reports. Four senators raised similar concerns about a $1.5 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia, but could not stop the sale.

World Politics

By Joanne Lu12 October 2016

Killings, curse words can’t keep Duterte’s popularity down in the Philippines

The rest of the world may be horrified by the deadly drug war and colorful words of Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, but his constituents think he’s doing an “excellent” job, according to the latest surveys.

Human Rights

By Tom Murphy22 August 2016

Philippine president threatens to leave U.N. following pressure on rights abuses

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, sometimes referred to as the ‘Donald Trump of the Philippines,’ is so upset at the United Nations’ critique of his government’s alleged human rights abuses he is threatening to quit.

Quit the UN, that is.