7 Key Reasons Why Filipinos Wrote 'Thank You' Letters To Former President Rodrigo Duterte

The six-year term of former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, which concluded in June 2022, remains one of the most polarizing and impactful periods in the nation's contemporary history. While his presidency was marked by intense global scrutiny and significant controversy, a massive base of supporters across the archipelago frequently expressed profound gratitude, often through public statements, social media campaigns, and heartfelt "thank you" letters published in various formats. This appreciation stemmed not from his rhetoric, but from a suite of landmark legislative and infrastructure achievements that directly addressed the daily struggles of the common Filipino, fundamentally shifting the landscape of social services and public works.

As of December 15, 2025, the enduring sentiment of thanks is focused on the tangible benefits his administration delivered, which many felt previous governments failed to provide. The core intention behind these expressions of thanks is a recognition of specific, life-changing policies that improved accessibility to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity, solidifying a unique legacy of governance often branded as "Tapang at Malasakit" (Courage and Compassion).

The Foundational Pillars of Gratitude: Duterte's Landmark Achievements

To understand the depth of the public’s appreciation, one must look at the specific, high-impact policies enacted during the Duterte administration. These legislative and programmatic entities are the very reasons cited in countless letters and messages of thanks from various sectors of Philippine society, from students to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

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1. The Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (Free College Law)

For millions of Filipino families, the passage of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, or Republic Act 10931, was arguably the most significant social reform of the administration. This law effectively abolished tuition and other mandatory fees in 112 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and 16 Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) nationwide.

• Direct Impact: The law immediately lifted the financial burden of college education from the shoulders of impoverished families, allowing countless students to pursue a degree without accumulating debt.
• The "Thank You" Sentiment: Letters from students and parents often expressed gratitude for the opportunity to finally achieve their dreams, recognizing the law as a powerful equalizer that broke the cycle of poverty.

2. The 'Build, Build, Build' (BBB) Infrastructure Program

The "Golden Age of Infrastructure" promised by the Build, Build, Build Program became a key source of national pride and economic optimism. The administration committed an unprecedented P8 to P9 trillion (roughly $160 to $180 billion) to infrastructure development.

• Key Entities: This massive effort, spearheaded by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and supported by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), aimed to address the country's chronic infrastructure deficit.
• Tangible Results: Projects like new bridges, expressways, and modernized airports were seen as direct investments in the future, improving mobility, reducing traffic congestion, and generating an estimated 1.1 million jobs annually. The swift execution of projects was a frequent point of praise in letters of appreciation.

3. The Universal Health Care (UHC) Law

Another major social policy that garnered widespread thanks was the enactment of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law in 2019. This legislation automatically enrolled all Filipinos into the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), guaranteeing access to quality and affordable health care services.

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• Expansion of Benefits: The law expanded existing benefits by adding free medical consultations and laboratory tests, ensuring that financial constraints would not prevent citizens from seeking necessary medical attention.
• The Populist Appeal: For the poor, the UHC Law represented a safety net that had been desperately needed for decades, making it a cornerstone of the administration's legacy of "malasakit" (compassion).

Addressing Social Inequality and Governance Reforms

Beyond the major laws, the sentiment of gratitude often came from a feeling of being finally heard by the government. The populist appeal of the former Davao City Mayor was rooted in his promise to dismantle systemic corruption and address issues that plagued the marginalized.

4. Increased Social Welfare for the Poorest

The Duterte administration strengthened existing social safety nets, notably the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). A law was signed that permanently mandated the increase in cash grants and ensured the program’s long-term sustainability, directly benefiting the country's most vulnerable citizens.

Furthermore, the government created the Social Welfare Attaché position for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), providing dedicated support for distressed Filipinos working abroad, a sector often called the country’s "modern-day heroes."

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5. The Perceived Crackdown on Crime and Corruption

One of the most powerful drivers of public support, despite the intense international scrutiny, was the administration’s aggressive stance against illegal drugs and corruption. For many Filipinos, the perceived increase in personal safety and the disruption of long-entrenched criminal networks were reasons for sincere thanks.

• Anti-Oligarchy Stance: Duterte frequently spoke of dismantling the oligarchy that controlled the economy, a narrative that resonated deeply with the masses who felt marginalized by the elite.
• Freedom of Information (FOI): Early in his term, he signed an Executive Order establishing Freedom of Information (FOI) under the executive branch, a significant step toward greater government transparency.

The Enduring Legacy and Public Sentiment

The collective "thank you letter" to President Duterte is a complex tapestry of appreciation for these concrete, high-impact policies. His administration's focus on infrastructure, education, and health care created a unique political phenomenon where public approval ratings remained remarkably high throughout his term, even amid significant political and human rights controversies.

The narrative of "Tapang at Malasakit" became a shorthand for a style of governance that, for his supporters, prioritized the needs of the common people over political correctness or elite interests. This strong sense of connection and delivery on campaign promises is the true context behind the widespread expressions of gratitude, from simple social media posts to formal open letters. The Duterte legacy is therefore defined by a tangible shift in public service delivery, ensuring that his name remains synonymous with the laws and projects that continue to shape the everyday lives of millions of Filipinos today.

The former president's own words, "Thank you for making me President," spoken at the end of his term, underscored a reciprocal relationship with his voter base that few Philippine leaders have ever achieved. The thank you letters, whether personal or public, serve as a testament to the belief that his administration delivered on the promise of change, particularly in the critical sectors of education, infrastructure, and social protection.