The myths.

 The Myth of Duterte’s Legal Mastery

There’s an old tale about a man who claimed to be the greatest warrior in the land. He spoke with confidence, carried himself like a conqueror, and his followers swore he had won countless battles. 

But when the time came to prove his skills in an actual fight, the truth was revealed—he had never really won a war. His legend was built on bluster, fear, and intimidation, not actual victories.

This is the story of Rodrigo Duterte’s so-called "legal brilliance."

Duterte did not win in 2016 because he was brilliant—he won because he courted the Marcos Loyalists and capitalized on the protest vote against the Liberal Party.

• The North delivered for him. Then-Governor Imee Marcos was one of only three governors who backed his candidacy. That gave him a solid advantage in the northern provinces.

• He rode on public frustration against the Liberal Party. He just presented himself as the opposite of "Dilawan."

However, his presidency became untouchable not because of his own strength, but , not just because of DDS but also because of us— Marcos supporters. We defended him, amplified his voice, and fought his critics. 

But looking back, what did he actually achieve?

Duterte’s supporters love to call him a former prosecutor, as if it proves his legal brilliance. 

But where is his record of major victories?

• No landmark cases won. Unlike great prosecutors who shaped legal precedents, Duterte left no mark in Philippine jurisprudence.

• Not a single famous conviction under his name. Despite years in the justice system, he has no high-profile case he can proudly claim as his victory.

A great lawyer is remembered for his arguments. 

Duterte is remembered for his threats.

After his years as a so-called “prosecutor,” Duterte became a congressman. 

A true legislator is measured by the laws he passes, his contributions to national policy, and his ability to fight for the people. 

How did Duterte perform?

• He passed ONLY ONE law : Republic Act 8969, which makes the 3rd Friday of August a special holiday in Davao City

• He had no major legislative battles. Unlike lawmakers who champion causes, Duterte was barely active in Congress.

• He was a non-factor in national policymaking. Instead of pushing reforms, he simply warmed his seat and waited to return to Davao

Duterte's congressional record is proof that he was never a real reformer. He had one job as a lawmaker—to make laws—and he failed.

When he became president, his failures became bigger:

• Rice Tariffication Law – His policy caused skyrocketing rice prices and crushed local farmers.

• Persecuting Leila De Lima – He weaponized the justice system to imprison his biggest critic, yet after years of trial, De Lima walked free because there was no solid evidence against her.

• Targeting Leni Robredo – He wasted time attacking a woman who only wanted to help. He even said women are unfit to be president.

• The Pandemic Controversy – Billions of pesos were lost in the Pharmally scandal

• The EJKs – His drug war killed thousands of poor Filipinos, while the biggest drug lords remained untouched.

• The Narcolist Hoax – He released a list of "narco-politicians," but not a single person on that list had a case successfully filed in court.

• Selling Out to China – Despite claiming to be independent, he surrendered our seas to China.

And the biggest betrayal? Peter Lim—who even host a victory party for him in 2016—was a drug lord. Where is he? 

Meanwhile, POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations) spread like wildfire under his watch—bringing crime, kidnappings, and economic risks. 

Our country turned into a playground for Chinese syndicates.

Now, they say he will shake the Supreme Court if he appears as a lawyer? 

Here’s the truth: Courts do not run on intimidation—they run on law.

• The justices he appointed are not his puppets; they are bound by the Constitution.

• His mere presence won’t change legal principles or jurisprudence.

• He may curse, but cursing does not win cases—solid arguments do.

Duterte is not known for his legal skills, legislative achievements, or diplomacy. If there’s one thing he has mastered, it’s the art of vulgarity—insulting anyone who does not align with his brand of politics.

• He called a Pope a "son of a whore" just because of traffic.

• He cursed world leaders when they didn’t agree with him.

• He degraded women with crass jokes.

• He labeled the President as "bangag," without presenting evidence. 

A leader who only knows how to curse, mock, and threaten is not a strongman—he is a weak man hiding behind strong words.

Duterte’s legal career is a myth, his legislative career is a failure, his presidency was a disaster, and his legacy is just a collection of bad words and empty threats.

The art of war? Duterte has only mastered the art of cursing. And in the Supreme Court, cursing is useless.

LESSON: "A man who wins battles with fear will lose the war when the people no longer fear him."

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#NoLegacyNoVictory

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