Fact Check: Public safety concerns push Marcos to mimic Duterte's tough-on-crime narrative.

Published June 17, 2025

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VERDICT

Partially True

# Fact Check: Public safety concerns push Marcos to mimic Duterte's tough-on-crime narrative ## What We Know The claim that President Ferdinand Marco...

Fact Check: Public safety concerns push Marcos to mimic Duterte's tough-on-crime narrative

What We Know

The claim that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is mimicking former President Rodrigo Duterte's tough-on-crime narrative stems from the historical context of Duterte's controversial "war on drugs," which was marked by widespread extrajudicial killings and human rights violations. Duterte's administration, which lasted from 2016 to 2022, was characterized by a brutal crackdown on drug-related crime that resulted in the deaths of thousands, with estimates ranging from 6,252 to as high as 30,000 victims, according to various human rights organizations (source-2, source-4).

Marcos Jr., who succeeded Duterte, initially indicated a desire to continue the anti-drug campaign but with a focus on prevention and rehabilitation rather than outright violence. However, reports indicate that he has continued many of Duterte's policies, leading critics to argue that he is adopting a similar tough-on-crime stance (source-3, source-5).

In late 2023, Marcos's government allowed International Criminal Court (ICC) investigators to enter the Philippines, suggesting a shift in policy regarding accountability for past abuses under Duterte. This decision came amid growing public safety concerns and calls for justice from victims' families (source-1).

Analysis

The evidence suggests that while Marcos Jr. has publicly distanced himself from Duterte's more violent methods, the continuation of a tough-on-crime narrative is evident in his administration's policies. Critics argue that despite promises of reform, the underlying approach remains aligned with Duterte's legacy of aggressive law enforcement (source-3).

The reliability of sources discussing Marcos's policies varies. For instance, the Council on Foreign Relations provides a critical perspective on Marcos's adherence to Duterte's policies, while the Human Rights Watch offers detailed accounts of the human rights implications of these policies. However, some sources, such as The Diplomat, may exhibit bias against Marcos, framing his actions as cowardly without providing a balanced view of the complexities involved.

Furthermore, the ICC's involvement indicates a significant international response to the human rights violations that occurred during Duterte's presidency. Marcos's decision to allow ICC investigators into the country may reflect a strategic shift to mitigate international criticism while still appealing to domestic audiences who may favor a tough stance on crime (source-1).

Conclusion

The claim that public safety concerns are pushing Marcos to mimic Duterte's tough-on-crime narrative is Partially True. While Marcos has made attempts to differentiate his administration from Duterte's through a focus on prevention and rehabilitation, the continuation of aggressive law enforcement policies suggests a significant alignment with Duterte's approach. The political landscape remains complex, as Marcos navigates both domestic expectations for safety and international scrutiny regarding human rights.

Sources

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