Dubbed by some as "The Dirty Harry" of Davao and the Donald Trump of the East, Davao City's Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is Philippines' next president. Rodrigo Duterte may seem firm, but read on and see his most heart-warming gestures.
Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is currently leading the polls in the most recent Philippine presidential elections on May 9. He faced countless criticism for his ironclad leadership. With Davao's successful peace and order, speculations emerged that he runs the Davao Death Squad, a team known for extrajudicial killings. He also made the headlines for his hasty rape remarks about an Australian missionary, and for allegedly cursing the Pope.
Despite these, however, the Filipino majority rooted for him with the hopes of having a less corrupt leader. His works in Davao led the nation into choosing him as their president. He provided the first and only 911 emergency hotline in the Philippines. He also established Davao as one of the safest places in the country. Listed below are three of the most heart-warming gestures that will give you a closer look at Rodrigo Duterte:
He Support and Stands for the LGBT Community and Women's Rights
Despite his taunts and random comments such as using the word "bayot" which is queer in their native dialect, Rodrigo Duterte respect and condemned discrimination against the LGBT community. During one of his press conferences, he even openly stated that he'll consider same-sex marriage and would allow individuals from the LGBT community to serve the country's military force.
As for women's rights, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte gathered support and was praised for different sectors. He may have gathered backlashes for his rape remark, but Rodrigo Duterte fought for Women's rights and advocacies.
"I've known him for many years and have been so impressed by the women-centered programs they had in Davao," Senator Pia Cayetano said.
He Loves Children
Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte may be tough and stern, but is is gentle when it comes to dealing with kids. Mayor Duterte has the biggest heart when it comes to protecting children and their rights. He makes sure that each of them will get their much-needed education and would not go through harassment and abuse.
He Fines Tobacco Smokers and Donates it to Cancer Patients
It's known all throughout the Philippines that Davao does not allow smoking in public areas. What made Mayor Rodrigo Duterte one of the soft-hearted leaders is his loving gesture towards cancer patients.
It was mentioned that Rodrigo Duterte donates a total sum of 3.2 million pesos from smoking violations between 2013 and 2015. He then donated the funds to cancer patients which were mostly kids.
Despite being swamped with countless rumors, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte made a positive change in the Philippines. Do you think he deserves the Philippine presidency? Do let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
