How Duterte has been a force for peace in the Philippines and the region

As he enters his third year in office, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s biggest achievement has been peace.

Regional neighbours have praised Duterte for his handling of the South China Sea dispute. This has contributed to regional stability. Ongoing disagreements with China are now discussed at the highest levels and more channels for functional cooperation have been opened and are already delivering benefits for Filipinos.

Moreover, ending the Islamic State-led rebellion in the southern Philippines in less than five months, when other countries that have Islamic State activity continue to deteriorate into war zones, prevented the spread of extremism not only in the Philippines, but in the region as a whole.

On the domestic front, although not without issues just like any other country, the Philippines has been ranked the top investment destination in the world by the US News and World Report, growth rates are up (beating expectations), poverty and crime rates are down, workers are better protected and business processes are faster.