empowerment(alexandra Perez)

The Weight of a Thousand Souls

On June 30, 2016, Rodrigo Duterte became the 16th president of the Philippines, succeeding Benigno Aquino III. He was the oldest elected president, the first from Mindanao, and the first to have served in all three branches of the governmentHis presidency lasted for six years, ending on June 30, 2022. Duterte chaired the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (formerly PDP–Laban), the ruling political party during his presidency. Duterte won the election because many people were dissatisfied with the previous administration, which favored the elites over ordinary Filipinos. His campaign emphasized fighting crime and corruption, intensifying measures to counter terrorism and communist insurgency, and combating the illegal drug trade through the controversial war on drugs. During his presidency, Duterte also worked on infrastructure plans, reducing administrative procedures, and suggested a move to a federal form of government. He also pushed for liberal economic reforms. He oversaw the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the controversial funeral of Ferdinand Marcos, and the Battle of Marawi in 2017. Duterte also focused on improving ties with Russia and China, reaffirming his commitment to an "independent foreign policy." Initially, he declared his intention to run for vice president in the 2022 election but later announced his retirement from politics in October 2021. Subsequently, he declared his intention to run for senator the next month, only to withdraw his campaign on December 14.

Even populists and nationalists have been used to describe Duterte's political stance. His public support for the extrajudicial execution of drug users and other criminals has played a significant role in his political success. His career has been marked by controversy and protests, particularly due to his remarks and concerns regarding human rights.

During his tenure as mayor of Davao, Duterte admitted on several occasions to personally executing criminal suspects. Human rights organizations and the Office of the Ombudsman have investigated the extrajudicial executions allegedly carried out by the Davao Death Squad between 1998 and 2016, while Duterte was in office. Most of the victims were street children, suspected drug users, and minor offenders.

In 2018, Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the International Criminal Court after the court initiated a preliminary inquiry into his anti-drug campaign.

Let's go back to the topic of, the War on Drugs The brutality committed against alleged drug affiliates by the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte is known as the Philippine War on Drugs. When handling the situation, Duterte prioritized eradication above rehabilitation. Since June 2016, police have killed thousands of people during drug raids, and anonymous vigilante murderers are allegedly carrying out drug user executions on behalf of the former president. Consequently, the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project ranked the Philippines as the fourth most hazardous country in the world as a result of the drug war. It has been alleged that members of the Philippine National Police stage killings by giving their victims firearms and narcotics.  Despite being offered the opportunity to register with authorities in exchange for protection, many drug users have nevertheless died as a result of police abuse. Children and newborns have been affected by these government-led attacks, particularly in impoverished areas. The National Capital Region, Calabarzon, and Central Luzon have been the most heavily attacked locations. International organizations such as the United Nations and several human rights organizations have condemned the war on drugs. In response, Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the International Criminal Court and has repeatedly rejected the results of human rights investigations while intensifying his crackdown, claiming that the drug problem has "worsened." The death toll is still rising, and many victims and their families have not yet received justice. Duterte's actions have been characterized as "crimes against humanity," and a recent UN report called for an "independent, impartial, credible investigation into all allegations of serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law." 

(October 19, 2024) – Former President Rodrigo Duterte has denied the existence of a "reward system" that encouraged police officers to kill drug suspects. This denial follows testimony from Royina Garma, a former general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), who claimed that Duterte offered cash rewards during his harsh campaign against drugs..“Walang pulis na papasok sa ganoon… makukulong sila. Why would they accept that kind of agreement when it will, later on, be their downfall?” said DuterteIn an interview on Thursday with Sonshine Media Network International, Garma discussed her recent appointment by Duterte to lead the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), which came shortly after her retirement as the chief of the Cebu City Police. She had previously served as a police station commander in Davao City. On October 11, during a quad committee hearing in the House of Representatives, Garma revealed that Duterte personally requested her to identify someone to lead the anti-drug campaign. She subsequently selected Edilberto Leonardo, who was at that time with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.Leonardo was appointed by Duterte as the commissioner of the National Police Commission but resigned on October 8. Duterte stated that his orders were clear: arrest drug suspects, but defend themselves if their lives were at risk..“Walang reward ‘yan. Hindi ako magbibigay ng reward. Ang pinakaano nila sa akin, kapag mission accomplished ay yayain ko sila sa restaurant, kumain kami at I congratulate them,” added Duterte.The International Criminal Court is investigating Duterte and several police officers for potential crimes against humanity during the violent campaign.

Government figures indicate over 6,000 deaths, but human rights organizations estimate that the death toll could be as high as 30,000. Duterte, who has announced his candidacy for mayor of Davao City in next year's elections, has expressed his willingness to cooperate with the ongoing investigation in the House of Representatives, as well as the planned parallel investigation in the Senate.

“I would be happy to appear in both the upper and the lower house of Congress,” said Duterte.

What is drugs?

First of all, what are drugs? Drugs are chemical compounds used to treat an illness or other health issue but negatively affect one or more physical or brain functions. They are typically categorized according to their legal classification and effects on the body and brain.  Drugs can be classified into two main categories: Recreational Chemicals used for recreational purposes as opposed to medicinal ones are known as recreational drugs. Although they fall under the category of recreational drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine are not discussed in this pamphletMany individuals begin using recreational drugs in order to feel good or improve their lives. However, this can lead to addiction, social and health problems, and involvement in criminal activity. Since most recreational drugs are illegal, using them can result in legal consequences. If you or someone you care about is struggling with drug use, there are various ways to seek help. Medical drugs aid in the diagnosis, management, or avoidance of illnesses and ailments. Antibiotics, painkillers, vaccinations, and prescription drugs are a few examples. When taken appropriately, they help manage medical conditions and enhance health. Depending on their intended use, hazards, and the way laws control them, drugs may be either legal or illegal. Drug misuse or abuse, whether from prescribed or illicit sources, can have negative social, psychological, and physical effects.

                     Medical Drugs                                               Illegal drugs