Comparative Analysis: The Philippine War on Drugs Under Duterte and Marcos Administrations (2016–2025)
I. Overview
The Philippine "War on Drugs" has been a central policy initiative under both President Rodrigo Duterte (2016–2022) and his successor, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (2022–present). While both administrations have aimed to combat illegal drug activities, their approaches, outcomes, and international receptions have differed significantly.
II. Duterte Administration (2016–2022)
A. Policy and Implementation
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Launch and Rationale: President Duterte initiated an aggressive anti-drug campaign upon assuming office in 2016, declaring a nationwide crackdown on illegal drugs.
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Operational Tactics: The campaign involved widespread police operations, including "Oplan Tokhang," where police officers visited homes of suspected drug users and dealers, urging them to surrender.
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Incentive Structures: Reports indicated that police officers received financial incentives for each drug suspect killed or arrested, raising concerns about potential abuses. LSE Blogs
B. Outcomes
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Casualties: Official figures report over 6,200 deaths in police operations; however, human rights groups estimate the death toll to be between 12,000 and 30,000. Time
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Legal Proceedings: The International Criminal Court (ICC) authorized a full investigation into the alleged crimes against humanity committed during the campaign. The Guardian
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Public Perception: While the campaign received domestic support for its tough stance on crime, it faced international condemnation for human rights violations.
III. Marcos Administration (2022–Present)
A. Policy Shift
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Rebranding the Campaign: President Marcos Jr. pledged to continue the anti-drug efforts with a focus on prevention and rehabilitation rather than punitive measures. Time
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Operational Changes: The administration launched the "Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan" (BIDA) program, emphasizing community-based interventions and health-centered approaches. Wikipedia
B. Outcomes
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Casualties: Despite the policy shift, drug-related killings have persisted. The Dahas project recorded 342 drug-related deaths from July 2022 to June 2023, averaging 0.9 deaths per day, slightly higher than the 0.8 daily average in Duterte's last year. dw.com
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Legal Proceedings: The Marcos administration has maintained that the Philippines has a functioning justice system and has expressed reluctance to cooperate with the ICC's investigation into the previous administration's drug war. Wikipedia
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Public Perception: The continued drug-related violence has led to skepticism about the effectiveness and sincerity of the administration's rebranded approach.dw.com
IV. Comparative Summary
| Aspect | Duterte Administration (2016–2022) | Marcos Administration (2022–Present) |
|---|---|---|
| Policy Approach | Aggressive, punitive | Preventive, rehabilitative |
| Operational Tactics | Police-led raids, incentivized arrests | Community-based programs, health-focused interventions |
| Casualties | 6,200 (official) to 30,000 (estimates) | Approximately 342 in first year |
| International Response | ICC investigation, global condemnation | Continued scrutiny, limited cooperation with ICC |
| Public Perception | Mixed domestic support, international criticism | Growing skepticism due to ongoing violence |
V. Recommendations
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Establish Independent Oversight: Create an independent body to monitor and evaluate anti-drug operations, ensuring accountability and transparency.Wikipedia
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Enhance Community Engagement: Strengthen community-based programs that focus on education, prevention, and rehabilitation to address the root causes of drug abuse.
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Judicial Reforms: Implement reforms to expedite the legal process for drug-related cases, ensuring due process and reducing reliance on extrajudicial measures.
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International Cooperation: Engage constructively with international bodies, including the ICC, to demonstrate commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
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Data Transparency: Regularly publish comprehensive data on anti-drug operations, including arrest and casualty figures, to inform policy decisions and public discourse.
VI. Conclusion
The Philippine government's approach to combating illegal drugs has undergone significant changes from the Duterte to the Marcos administrations. While the latter has rebranded the campaign with a focus on rehabilitation, the persistence of drug-related killings raises questions about the effectiveness of these reforms. A comprehensive strategy that balances enforcement with human rights considerations is essential for sustainable progress in addressing the country's drug problem.
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