(BBC) Maverick anti-crime candidate Rodrigo ‘Digong’ Duterte has won the Philippine presidential elections, following the withdrawal of his opponents.
Although the official result has not yet been declared, main rival Mar Roxas admitted defeat after polls gave Mr Duterte an unassailable lead.
Mr Duterte said he accepted the mandate with “extreme humility”. The 71-year-old stirred controversy during campaigning with his incendiary comments. He has credited his success to his tough stance on law and order.
His record as the crime-crushing Mayor of the southern town of Davao, once notorious for its lawlessness, earned him the moniker ‘The Punisher’ and resonated with voters.
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Duterte: From ‘Punisher’ to president
- Born in 1945 into a political family but with a more modest background than many Philippine politicians.
- Married twice but now single, he says he has several girlfriends.
- A lawyer, he became vice-mayor of Davao in 1986 and mayor in 1988. He has also previously held a seat in congress.
- Built a reputation fighting crime, militancy and corruption. He has promised to continue his tough stance as president, but has offered few specific policies.
- Well known for incendiary comments, such as saying he would kill thousands of criminals without trial.
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