Rodrigo Duterte faced significant international backlash for several controversial remarks and policies. His comment about the rape of Australian missionary Jacqueline Hamill drew severe criticism from the United States and Australia, prompting him to threaten severing diplomatic ties with these countries . Moreover, his war on drugs, which led to thousands of deaths, was condemned internationally and triggered an investigation by the International Criminal Court . Despite this, Duterte's local popularity remained significant as many Filipinos supported his law-and-order approach .

Duterte's presidency significantly influenced the legislative landscape, marked by his controversial stance towards Congress and the rapid enactment of his proposed policies. Despite initially threatening to abolish Congress, Duterte maintained a strong influence over legislative processes through his leadership of PDP–Laban, the ruling party during his term . He was able to push through major reforms like the comprehensive tax reform and the Rice Tariffication Law . Nonetheless, his concentration of power and aggressive rhetoric may have strained executive-legislative relations, leading to contentious policymaking environments . His presidency reflects a complex dynamic where assertive executive influence expedited legislative processes but also risked undermining democratic institutions .

Rodrigo Duterte implemented several key policies during his presidency, focusing on economic reforms, infrastructure development, and anti-drug campaigns. He initiated the 'Build, Build, Build' infrastructure program to improve transportation systems with projects like the LRT-2 East Extension and modern ports . He also reformed the tax system and introduced freedom of information under the executive branch to combat corruption . Furthermore, he liberalized rice imports through the Rice Tariffication Law, granted free irrigation to small farmers, and sought to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law . His presidency is also marked by the controversial war on drugs, which led to widespread criticism but remained popular among certain segments of the population .

Duterte's proposal for a federal form of government sought to enhance regional autonomy by redistributing power from the central government to local regions. This could allow regions to tailor policies to their specific needs, potentially leading to more effective governance and economic development at the local level . However, transitioning to federalism might pose risks to national unity by increasing regional disparities unless executed with equitable resource distribution and political stability . Successfully implementing federalism requires balancing decentralization with national cohesion, ensuring that all regions benefit equally to prevent economic and social inequalities from deepening .

Duterte's liberal economic reforms, which included tax system overhaul and the Rice Tariffication Law, aimed to strengthen the country's economic resilience and reduce inflation by stabilizing rice prices . By granting free irrigation and liberalizing rice imports, these policies could potentially enhance agricultural productivity and support rural economies. The emphasis on infrastructure through the 'Build, Build, Build' initiative might also foster economic growth by improving connectivity and reducing logistic costs . However, the success of these reforms in achieving sustained economic growth depends on their implementation and the global economic environment's stability .

Duterte's 'Build, Build, Build' program faced several challenges, including logistical and bureaucratic hurdles inherent in large-scale infrastructure projects . Financial constraints, potential corruption, and the need for efficient coordination among various government agencies and contractors posed additional difficulties. The vast scope of the projects required careful management to meet timelines and budgets. Moreover, resistance from affected local communities and environmental concerns could delay progress. Despite these challenges, the program aimed to modernize public infrastructure greatly, benefiting long-term economic growth and accessibility .

Rodrigo Duterte's administration has been heavily criticized for its approach to human rights issues, particularly in relation to the war on drugs. International and local human rights groups have condemned the extrajudicial killings and alleged abuses by police and vigilantes, estimating thousands of deaths beyond official figures. This has raised concerns about human rights violations overshadowing Duterte's governance achievements, such as economic reforms and infrastructure development . Although Duterte's leadership was seen by some Filipinos as effectively tackling crime, the human rights implications generated significant domestic and international scrutiny and strained diplomatic relations .

Rodrigo Duterte's approach to tackling the drug problem involved a harsh crackdown, ordering police to kill drug suspects under certain conditions, which resulted in an estimated 6,248 official deaths, with rights groups suggesting much higher numbers . Despite facing international condemnation and a probe by the International Criminal Court, Duterte maintained popularity among many Filipinos who appreciated his swift action and tough stance against drugs, reflecting their support for a leader perceived as being effective in improving public safety .

Rodrigo Duterte proposed a shift from the existing presidential system to a federal parliamentary government to distribute power more equitably across regions and reduce centralized governance inefficiencies . The current presidential system concentrates power in the executive branch, potentially leading to slower decision-making and implementation of policies due to bureaucratic hurdles. A federal parliamentary system could increase regional autonomy, allowing local governments more control over economic and social policies, which might lead to more tailored and efficient governance . However, challenges include the need for constitutional amendments and potential resistance from political factions benefiting from the status quo .

During Duterte's presidency, significant improvements were made in public infrastructure and transportation through the 'Build, Build, Build' program. This initiative led to the completion of 214 airport projects, 451 seaport projects, and the introduction of new transport lines like the LRT-2 East Extension. Additionally, several other projects were underway, including MRT-3 rehabilitation and the Metro Manila Subway . These developments aimed to ensure accessibility and improve the quality of life for Filipinos by modernizing transportation systems across the nation .