How Duterte Transformed the Philippines in 6 Years: Key Achievements You Need to Know!

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who served from 2016 to 2022, implemented several initiatives that continue to benefit Filipinos today.

Infrastructure Development:

Build, Build, Build Program

Why Duterte Remains One of the Philippines’ Most Influential Leaders.

The "Build, Build, Build" program aimed to usher in a "Golden Age of Infrastructure" by increasing public infrastructure spending from 5.4% of GDP in 2017 to 7.4% by 2022.

Duterte’s Achievements: What Every Filipino Should Know.

Major projects included:

* Subic-Clark Railway,

* North-South Commuter Railway,

* Metro Manila Subway,

* Clark International Airport expansion,

* Mindanao Railway, and the

* Luzon Spine Expressway Network

SOUTH COMMUTER RAILWAY PROJECT

By April 2022, 12 flagship projects were completed, with 88 in advanced stages.

Overall, from June 2016 to July 2021, the program saw the completion of

* 29,264 kilometers of roads,

* 5,950 bridges,

* 11,340 flood control projects,

* 222 evacuation centers, and

* 150,149 classrooms

Partial operations from the Clark International Airport to West Valenzuela Station could start as soon as December 2027, with the 'worst-case scenario' being the first quarter of 2028.

Transportation Reforms

To modernize public transport, Duterte's administration launched a program in June 2017 that phased out older jeepneys and public utility vehicles (PUVs), requiring new ones to have at least Euro4-compliant or electric engines.

Bacolod City Public Vehicle Utility Modernization Program

The program also encouraged PUV operators to consolidate into legal groups of at least 15 units.

--

Passport and Driver's License Validity Extension

In 2017, Duterte signed laws extending the validity of Philippine passports from five to ten years and driver's licenses from three to five years, reducing the frequency of renewals and associated costs for Filipinos.

Duterte signs law extending validity of driver's license to 5 years

RA 10930: Driver’s License Extension and New Laws

During his administration, Pres. Duterte ordered the extension of the validity of the PH passport to 10 years and the driver’s license from 5 to 10 years, making it easier for Filipinos in terms of renewing their gov't IDs.

-

By 2022, under the Build, Build, Build program,

* 40,080 kilometers of roads and

* 6,854 bridges had been constructed, maintained, or upgraded;

* 579 commercial and social tourism ports had been developed; and

* 248 airport projects were completed.

During the first half of President Duterte’s term, two new international airports have been built, namely, the Lal-Lo International Airport in Cagayan, and the country’s first eco-airport, the Bohol-Panglao International Airport.

Infrastructure Projects:

As part of his effort to address air traffic congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City, President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday inaugurated the Sangley Airport Development Project (SADP) in Cavite City.

President Rodrigo Duterte Inaugurated Cavite's Sangley Airport Project.

Airport Rehabilitation

Several airports were upgraded to enhance travel experiences:

Clark International Airport:

A new passenger terminal was constructed, increasing capacity and serving as an alternative to Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Among the three alternative locations for a new gateway, Clark International Airport is the most feasible to replace the congested and outmoded Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Mactan-Cebu International Airport:

A new terminal was inaugurated, boosting passenger capacity and improving facilities.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), developed over 797ha in Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan Island, is the second largest airport in the Philippines, after Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

-

Public Health Initiatives

Duterte signed the Universal Health Care Act, automatically enrolling all Filipinos in the government's health insurance program.

He also signed the Philippine Mental Health Law and established Malasakit Centers in public hospitals to streamline medical and financial assistance.

The administration enforced the Reproductive Health Law, banned smoking in public places nationwide, and set price caps on select medicines.

Duterte admin reforms paved way for PH health system improvement.

Peace and Order

The administration focused on enhancing national security:

Anti-Drug Campaign:

A controversial war on drugs was launched, aiming to reduce drug-related crimes.

Why Filipinos Felt Safer Under Duterte’s Leadership.

Anti-Crime Measures:

Increased police visibility and the establishment of hotlines for reporting crimes contributed to a sense of security among citizens.

How Duterte’s Peace & Order Policies Changed the Philippines.

Economic Measures

Efforts were made to stabilize prices and create jobs:

Price of Commodities:

The administration worked to stabilize rice prices by restructuring the National Food Authority and liberalizing rice importation.

Duterte’s Economic Policies: How They Boosted the Philippine Market.

Job Creation:

The Build! Build! Build! program generated employment opportunities across various sectors, including construction and related industries.

Duterte’s Economic Growth: More Jobs, Better Salaries.

-

Under President Rodrigo Duterte's administration (2016–2022), significant efforts were made to enhance the Philippines' flood mitigation infrastructure, aiming to protect communities from the adverse effects of flooding.

Key initiatives included:

1. Metro Manila Flood Management Project, Phase I

This project focused on improving flood management in the Greater Metro Manila Area by constructing new pumping stations and modernizing existing ones. It also involved clearing waterways to enhance drainage capacity. The project was part of a broader strategy to address the region's vulnerability to severe flooding.

Due Diligence Report (DDR) for Balut, Labasan, and Tripa de Galina Pumping Stations and Drainage Areas.

2. Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project, Phases IV and V

These phases aimed to enhance the flood-carrying capacity of the Pasig-Marikina River, which traverses Metro Manila. Improvements included riverbank protection, dredging, and the construction of floodwalls to safeguard adjacent communities from frequent flooding.

Government Flood Prevention Plan.

3. Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Measures in the Low-Lying Areas of Pampanga Bay Project, Stage II

This initiative targeted flood-prone areas around Pampanga Bay by implementing infrastructure improvements and community-based disaster risk reduction strategies. The goal was to bolster resilience against flooding and other climate-related hazards.

Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Measures in the Low-Lying Areas of Pampanga Bay.

4. Ambal-Simuay River and Rio Grande de Mindanao River Flood Control and Riverbank Protection Project

Located in Mindanao, this project focused on mitigating flood risks along the Ambal-Simuay and Rio Grande de Mindanao rivers. It involved constructing flood control structures and reinforcing riverbanks to protect surrounding communities and agricultural lands.

Ambal-Simuay River and Rio Grande de Mindanao River Flood Control Project (ongoing procurement).

5. Cavite Industrial Area Flood Risk Management Project

This project aimed to reduce flood risks in the Cavite Industrial Area by improving drainage systems and constructing flood barriers. The initiative sought to protect industrial zones and nearby residential areas from frequent flooding.

Cavite Industrial Area Flood Management Project (engineering design is 60% complete).

6. Sumag River Diversion Project

The Sumag River Diversion Project was an expansion of the Umiray-Angat Transbasin Project, designed to divert water from the Sumag River to the Angat Dam reservoir. The 600-meter-long tunnel aimed to augment water supply and reduce flood risks in the surrounding regions. After initial delays, construction resumed in 2019 under President Duterte's directive, with significant progress made by March 2021.

Construction of a diversion tunnel to supplement the water coming from Umiray River going to the Angat Reservoir.

7. Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike

This proposed 47-kilometer, six-lane expressway-dike was designed to run along the western shore of Laguna de Bay, from Taguig in Metro Manila to Los Baños in Laguna.

The project aimed to provide a high-standard highway to improve traffic flow between southern Metro Manila and Laguna while serving as a dike to mitigate flooding in the western coastal communities along Laguna Lake.

These initiatives collectively aimed to bolster the Philippines' resilience against flooding, safeguard communities, and protect vital infrastructure from the adverse impacts of climate change and natural disasters.

Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike C-6 Extension.

-

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's administration implemented several economic and taxation reforms that have benefited ordinary Filipinos.

Key initiatives include:

1. Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law

Enacted in December 2017, the TRAIN Law aimed to create a simpler, fairer, and more efficient tax system.

Key provisions included:

🍀Lower Personal Income Tax:

Individuals earning an annual taxable income of ₱250,000 or less became exempt from income tax, reducing the tax burden for many low- and middle-income earners.

🍀Simplified Estate and Donor's Taxes:

Both estate and donor's taxes were reduced to a flat rate of 6%, simplifying the tax system and encouraging property transfers.

Train Bill – Tax Reform for Accelaration and Inclusion

2. Infrastructure Development: Build, Build, Build Program

The administration's aggressive infrastructure initiative aimed to stimulate economic growth and create jobs.

Projects included roads, bridges, airports, and seaports, improving connectivity and providing employment opportunities across the country.

A vision for a better Philippine infrastructure.

3. Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act

Signed into law in 2017, this act provided free tuition and other school fees in state universities and colleges, local universities and colleges, and state-run technical-vocational institutions, making higher education more accessible to Filipinos.

Signed on August 3, 2017, Republic Act (RA) No. 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

4. Ease of Doing Business Act

Enacted in 2018, this law aimed to streamline procedures in government agencies, reducing processing times for permits and licenses. This benefited small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and encouraged entrepreneurship, leading to job creation.

The 6 Key Reforms from the Ease of Doing Business Act in the Philippines.

5. Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Institutionalization

The administration institutionalized the 4Ps, a conditional cash transfer program providing financial assistance to the poorest households, ensuring its continuity and support for impoverished families.

These reforms collectively aimed to improve the economic well-being of ordinary Filipinos by reducing tax burdens, enhancing infrastructure, increasing access to education, simplifying business processes, and providing direct financial assistance to those in need.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), launched in 2008 and institutionalized in 2019 by Republic Act No. 11310 or the 4Ps Act.

-

Former President Rodrigo Duterte's administration implemented additional initiatives that benefited ordinary Filipinos:

1. Land Reform

The administration accelerated land distribution to farmers, enhancing agricultural productivity and providing land ownership to agrarian communities.

By August 2021, the Department of Agrarian Reform had distributed 516,000 hectares of land to 405,800 farmers.

Distribution of certificates of land ownership (CLOAs) to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) of Soccsksargen at Lagao Gymnasium in General Santos City on Thursday, his the administration had given away over 100,000 hectares to the farmers.

2. Poverty Alleviation

Efforts to reduce poverty included adopting "Ambisyon Natin 2040," a 25-year development plan aiming to transform the Philippines into a predominantly middle-class society by 2040.

In April 2019, the administration enacted the Magna Carta of the Poor, aiming to improve the quality of life for impoverished Filipinos.

Taking its name from the famous charter of rights between an unpopular English monarch and his people, the ambitious “Magna Carta of the Poor” seeks to cement the rights of the poor into law in the Philippines, and calls for a string of anti-poverty measures involving various ministries and government agencies.

3. Family Planning and Child Welfare

The administration fully implemented the 2012 Reproductive Health Law, providing modern family planning services to improve maternal health and manage population growth.

Laws were also enacted to protect minors from abuse and exploitation, including raising the age of sexual consent from 12 to 16.

Attaining and Sustaining Zero Unmet Need for Modern Family Planning Services through the Strict Implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act, Providing Funds Therefore and for Other Purposes.

4. Malasakit Centers

Established as one-stop shops for medical and financial assistance, Malasakit Centers streamlined access to healthcare services for indigent Filipinos by consolidating assistance from various government agencies.

As of April 2024, there were 163 Malasakit Centers across the country.

A project authored by Senator Bong Go and signed into law by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte at the Malacañang Palace on December 03, 2019.

These initiatives, alongside previously mentioned programs, contributed to improving the quality of life for ordinary Filipinos during Duterte's presidency.

-

Under President Rodrigo Duterte's administration, significant measures were implemented to enhance the compensation and benefits of government employees, positively impacting their financial well-being.

1. Salary Standardization Law of 2019 (Republic Act No. 11466)

Enacted on January 8, 2020, this law mandated a series of salary increases for government personnel, structured over four tranches from 2020 to 2023.

The adjustments aimed to make public sector compensation more competitive with the private sector.

The Official Gazette provides the complete text of the law.

Republic Act No. 11466, also known as the “Salary Standardization Law of 2019,” was enacted to adjust the salary schedule for civilian government employees and provide additional benefits. The goal is to ensure fair and equitable compensation based on job duties, responsibilities, and qualifications.

Who is Covered?

• All civilian government employees in the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches, including constitutional offices, government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs), and local government units (LGUs).

• This includes regular, contractual, casual, appointive, or elective personnel, whether full-time or part-time.

  
  

Who is Not Covered?

• Military and uniformed personnel.

• GOCCs are covered by Republic Act No. 10149.

• Individuals working under job orders or service contracts without an employer-employee relationship.

2. Specific Salary Adjustments

The salary increases varied across different salary grades:

Salary Grades 1 to 10:

Employees in these grades saw a total increase ranging from 17.5% to 20.5% over the four-year period.

For instance, an employee at Salary Grade 1 received an increase from ₱11,068 in 2019 to ₱12,517 by 2023.

Salary Grades 11 to 13:

These mid-level positions experienced a 24.1% to 30.7% increase.

For example, a Salary Grade 11 employee's salary rose from ₱20,754 in 2019 to ₱25,439 in 2023.

Salary Grades 14 to 33:

Higher-level positions received increases ranging from 8% to 30.7%.

Notably, a Salary Grade 33 position, typically held by the President, saw an increase from ₱388,096 in 2019 to ₱431,718 by 2023.

Republic Act No. 11466, also known as the “Salary Standardization Law of 2019,” aims to adjust the salary schedules for civilian government employees and introduce additional benefits.

3. Implementation Phases

The salary adjustments were implemented in four tranches:

First Tranche: January 1, 2020

Second Tranche: January 1, 2021

Third Tranche: January 1, 2022

Fourth Tranche: January 1, 2023

Each tranche progressively increased salaries according to the schedule outlined in the law.

An Act Modifying the Salary Schedule for Civilian Government Personnel and Authorizing the Grant of Additional Benefits, and for Other Purposes.

4. Tax Implications

The Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, implemented in 2018, restructured income tax rates, resulting in reduced tax burdens for many government employees.

For instance, individuals earning an annual salary up to ₱250,000 are exempt from income tax, while those earning between ₱250,000 and ₱400,000 are taxed at 15% on the excess over ₱250,000.

The Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN), otherwise known as RA 10963, is the first package of the Duterte administration’s Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP) which seeks to propose major changes in the Philippine tax system.

These reforms collectively enhanced the financial standing of government employees, aligning public sector compensation more closely with private sector standards and acknowledging the vital services rendered by public servants.

--

Under President Rodrigo Duterte's administration (2016–2022), the private sector in the Philippines experienced notable changes in job salaries, influenced by various economic reforms and market dynamics.

Here's an overview of the key factors and trends:

1. Average Salaries in the Private Sector

As of 2023, the average monthly salary in the Philippines' private sector was approximately ₱18,423. However, salaries varied significantly across different industries and positions.

Wage Order No. NCR-25: Minimum Wage Increase for Private Sector in the National Capital Region

2. Industry-Specific Salary Variations

High-Paying Sectors:

Industries such as air transport, information technology, insurance, and healthcare offered higher average salaries.

For instance, IT professionals, particularly software developers, had an average monthly salary of ₱70,595.

Lower-Paying Sectors:

Conversely, sectors like agriculture, retail, and hospitality typically offered lower average salaries, often closer to the national minimum wage.

Top-Paying Industries in the Philippines: IT, Healthcare & More!

3. Impact of Economic Reforms

The administration's economic policies, including the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, aimed to stimulate economic growth and increase disposable income.

While these reforms primarily targeted tax structures, their indirect effects on private sector salaries were observed through increased consumer spending and business investments.

TRAIN Law & Economic Reforms: How They Increased Filipino Salaries.

4. Regional Salary Disparities

Salaries in urban areas, particularly Metro Manila, were higher compared to rural regions.

This disparity was due to the concentration of businesses and higher living costs in urban centers.

Metro Manila vs. Provinces: Why Salaries Are Higher in Urban Areas?

5. Experience and Position Level

Experience and job level significantly influenced salary levels.

For example, private sector executives with over ten years of experience earned an average of ₱844,600 annually.

Philippine Salary Guide: How Much Do Experienced Professionals Earn?

During President Duterte's tenure, private sector salaries in the Philippines were shaped by industry, experience, location, and the broader economic environment influenced by government reforms.