Duterte is known for his authoritarian leadership style and man-of-the-people persona, characterized by fiery rhetoric and controversial, off-the-cuff speeches. His spokesperson and advisors frequently had to interpret and clarify his remarks.

He initially announced his candidacy for vice president in the 2022 election, but in October 2021, said he was retiring from politics; the next month, he filed his candidacy for senator but withdrew it on December 14. Duterte's political positions have been described as populist, as well as nationalist.

MANILA -- Relations between the Philippines' two most influential political clans -- the Marcoses and the Dutertes -- are fraying as tensions over constitutional changes erupt into a public feud. Adding to the rancor are a long-simmering dispute over discretionary funds and disagreements over political agendas.