Amid controversies in his first 100 days in office, President Rodrigo Duterte is most likely to be "one of the very best presidents" of the Philippines, an analyst said Thursday.

University of Sto. Tomas political science professor Edmund Tayao said Duterte is popular among Filipinos because his administration dealt with the most basic of services in its first 100 days.

He added that even during his campaign, Duterte has always been open in discussing the direction of his leadership and his plans for the country.

"If there's any reason why this president remains popular and supported by many, particularly the ordinary folks, is precisely because this administration has addressed right then and there the most basic of services that the people expect from the government," Tayao said.

Results of the latest SWS survey show that Duterte has a net satisfaction rating of +64 or "very good," with 76 percent of Filipinos said they were satisfied while 11 percent said they were dissatisfied. Meanwhile, 13 percent were undecided regarding the president's performance.

Tayao explained that the only reason Duterte is being criticized is because of his strong language and controversial pronouncements.

In a speech last Tuesday, Duterte again lambasted US President Barack Obama and the European Union for criticizing his war on drugs. Duterte told Obama to "go to hell" and told EU to "better choose purgatory."

"Even with the very strong words and the supposed intent to find a

more independent foreign and security policy, the downside is that it is lost in the words of the president, in the wrong choice of words. That is the only reason why you have all these negative comments or criticism. But if that can be improved, then I'm inclined to think that this president will end up to be one of the very best presidents we've ever had," he said.



Tayao explained that Duterte is a "very practical guy" and there is no surprise if the public adopts his manner of speaking.

But he noted that the president does not have to make enemies in expanding the country's allies. Duterte has been very vocal in expanding ties with China and Russia.

"The president understands foreign policy, he understands security policy but again as I've said, the problem is when he communicates the whole substance is lost," Tayao said.

SYSTEMIC REFORMS

Tayao, however, is concerned over the Duterte administration's plan for the next three to six years, saying that the administration lacks a development plan.

He explained that the public is already getting a preview of the first three years of the administration which will most likely focus on adopting federalism.

But Tayao noted that Duterte should be wary of his political capital and address systemic reforms in the constitution and not just a shift to federalism.

"The only reason why federalism is important is because we are given the chance to look at the whole scheme of things--the political and government structure," he said.

Commenting on the government's intensive war against illegal drugs, Tayao said he hopes the initiative will result to institutional reforms as far as policing, investigation, and adjudication are concerned.

"The only thing lacking as far as the drug war is concerned, is the lack of focus on how will this administration make sure that eventually, you don't have to fight this kind of organized crime in the same manner that it is doing," he said.