Palace says Duterte has accomplished much already, while Bolsonaro yet to assume office

November 2, 2018

Malacañang said on Friday that it takes note of foreign commentators comparing President-elect Jair Messias Bolsonaro of Brazil to President Rodrigo Duterte.

However, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said they were only comparable for their respective peoples’ desire for formidable and decisive leadership since Duterte has already achieved many things as compared to Bolsonaro who is yet to assume the presidency next year.

"We take note of foreign commentators who have been drawing similarities between President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and President-elect Jair Messias Bolsonaro of Brazil. This is no different when PRRD was referred to as 'Asia’s Donald Trump' for initiating trailblazing reforms in the Philippines. This is also no different when the Philippine President was likened to strong and tough heads of state who implement gallant measures against lawlessness," he said in a statement.

"The comparison between President Duterte and President-elect Bolsonaro is understandable given that both are populist leaders who came to power because of their respective peoples’ desire for formidable and decisive leadership. The comparison, however, ends there since Mr. Bolsonaro has yet to assume the presidency and will only do so come January 1, 2019. Everything is merely speculative at this point," he added.

In his first two-and-a-half years in office, he cited Duterte's "own unique but effective style of managing the affairs of the bureaucracy and the country – similar to none."

Among the accomplishments under the Duterte administration were the passage of the laws providing free tuition in state universities and colleges, free irrigation to farmers, and free internet access in public places.

He also noted the effort of the government to thwart the communist rebellion from spreading and crushed the Daesh-inspired Maute terrorism.

Panelo said that under Duterte, the Philippines is one of the strongest economies and growth leaders in the region.

"Indeed, we have accomplished much under the leadership of the current administration and public confidence remains high as seen in the satisfaction, approval, performance, and trust ratings of the Chief Executive," he said.

He said the government will work harder to fulfill Duterte's promises until the end of his term in 2022. Celerina Monte/DMS