The Man from Davao: The Life and Leadership of Rodrigo Duterte

The Man from Davao is a gripping, chronological biography of Rodrigo Duterte—one of the most consequential and controversial leaders in modern Philippine history.

From his roots in Mindanao’s political landscape and his rise as a Davao City prosecutor and long-serving mayor, to the shockwave of the 2016 presidential campaign and the high-intensity years that followed, this book traces how a local executive reputation became a national force. Arthur Crandon follows Duterte’s defining decisions and turning points with clear narrative momentum, grounding major events in the realities of power, security, and public expectation.

Inside, you’ll explore:

• The making of the “Davao model” and the leadership style that earned fierce loyalty

• Duterte’s early days in Malacañang and the rapid launch of his drug-war agenda

• Security crises that shaped his presidency, including the Marawi siege

• The parallel pursuit of a historic Bangsamoro autonomy settlement in Mindanao

• The national and international reckoning that continues to define his legacy

Written for general readers, The Man from Davao balances achievements, criticisms, and context—examining what Duterte changed, why he remained popular to many, and why his methods provoked intense opposition at home and abroad. It is an accessible portrait of a leader, and an unflinching look at the ongoing debate over sovereignty, safety, and accountability in the Philippines.

If you want to understand the man behind the headlines—and the country that debated him in real time—this is the biography to read.

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