One figurehead selected from public nominations for his unique approach to leadership is Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, known for his aggressive tactics. A panel of nine jurists specialising in anti-corruption measures expressed that Duterte shakes the foundation of law and order in his homeland. He may not be the conventional corrupt leader, yet through his unconventional ways, he’s found a novel method to foster corruption.
Duterte’s operation of death squads targeting outlaws has been an area of particular contention. The squads are presumed to differentiate between citizens, but their actual practice shows little restraint. Instead, it seems Duterte has fostered a society dominated by the strongest, an environment that celebrates aggressive decision-making rather than fair justice.
As a result, the state of the Philippines has become more cruel, the presence of corruption is heavier, and democracy has taken a few steps back. This method of leadership, coupled with his ruthless campaign against drugs, set Duterte apart from the other nominees for the title.
Among the other contenders for the prestigious title were two African leaders: South African President Jacob Zuma and the deposed President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe. However, Duterte’s strong-handed tactics and his tough stance on drug-related issues eventually pushed him ahead of these powerful figures in the race.
Duterte has always been a flamboyant figure, committed to the fight against drug addiction with a severe approch. His shocking statement from last year comparing his anti-drug war to Hitler’s massacre of 3 million Jews was hard-hitting. Duterte stated that he wouldn’t mind eliminating the country’s 3 million drug addicts, showcasing the intensity of his resolve.
The actual numbers related to his brutal campaign are nearly impossible to determine accurately due to tight controls from Duterte’s National Police suppressing any critique. The law enforcement seems to be immune from any legal repercussions whilst engaging in actions that leave bodies out in open streets—a telling tale of the violent, uninhibited campaign Duterte has nurtured.
In comparison, the African contenders, Zuma and Mugabe, incited conflict, animosity, and negative sentiment by eroding the rule of law within their respective countries. Their influence was bolstered by the public’s respect and admiration because of their roles in the national independence struggles—a reverence they used to sidestep or manipulate the law according to their preference.
It’s worth noting that Duterte has been previously recognized by this panel in 2016, when he was listed as a runner-up. The title of Person of the Year, however, was awarded to Nicolas Maduro for his contoversial term in Venezuela as its president. Despite the country’s vast oil reserves, Venezuela witnessed a severe economic decline, soaring levels of crime and violence, as well as a steep increase in mismanagement and oppression under Maduro’s regime.
Historically, the title of ‘Person of the Year’ list has featured some other strong, or even divisive, personalities. The Russian President Vladimir Putin was awarded the title in 2014, while the Romanian Parliament received the title in 2013.
The Romanian politicians drew attention for corrupt behavior again towards the latter part of 2017 as they proposed measures to decriminalize certain abuses of office. This came into effect particularly for cases causing harm valued at less than $237,100; this also involved the reduction sentences for accepting bribes, and effectively decriminalizing situations where sexual favours were traded in exchange for official acts.
These proposed changes in legislation could potentially safeguard at least two high-ranking politicians. This highlights the concerning state of corruption impacting the national system and the manipulative power of those in influential positions.
In an alarming statistic, since 2006, a staggering number of 72 members of the Romanian Parliament have found themselves embroiled in allegations of graft and avarice. This paints a stark picture of the endemic levels of corruption existing within the political spaces of some of the world’s nations.
Through this perspective, the selection of Duterte signals a wider global problem where corruption often coexists with power. These annual selections aim to highlight these undercurrents in global political systems, and in turn, motivate for stronger democratic transparency and anti-corruption measures.
While the title of the ‘Person of the Year’ may seem prestigious, it highlights leaders who have demonstrated dubious approaches to governance and have significantly impacted their countries—in most cases, negatively. It’s a wakeup call for nations to closely scrutinize the actions of their leaders and to rally against oppressive behavior.
In this light, Duterte’s win for sailing his country forward without a compass becomes all the more important. His regime is a stark reminder of the pressing need for firm, yet fair, justice and accountability in the countries governed by these strongmen.
Through these annual titles, the world is awarded a moment of reflection—a reflection on the state of global leadership, the need for democracy, how power can be both used and abused, and the importance of being aware and holding our leaders accountable. Rodrigo Duterte’s selection as ‘Person of the Year’ serves as a critique of present-day leadership, marking a need for change and elevation of human rights standards in global governance.