1 Mayor Duterte's Political Ideologies as a Strategy: Prelude to being a President Mariah Jiana Patrice Corazon Aurigue Ninna Sybelle Catbagan Sheena Contreras Patricia Gloriani History of Political Thought Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Service College of Arts and Sciences Lyceum of the Philippines University-Cavite ABSTRACT Rodrigo Roa Duterte, former Davao City Mayor and elected as the current and 16th President of the Philippines, has always been a self-proclaimed leftist and socialist in his entire years of being a political leader. Socialism and his left-wing political views greatly influenced his strategy in dealing with the affairs of the city he ruled for more than twenty years. Now as the Head of State, he remains to have the same set of political ideologies that shape his actions and decisions concerning the Filipino people under his administration. The purpose of this research is to shed light to people all over the world as to why the current Philippine President has an unconventional strategy in administering all matters of the entire Filipino nation. This research aims to provide better and clearer understanding on how Mr. Duterte's political ideologies affected his tactics and approaches in his political career during his rule as a Mayor of Davao City, and now as the Philippine Supreme Leader. The aspects explored in this research paper are the socialist and leftist sides of Mr. Duterte as a political leader, his way of governance as a mayor, his early presidency, as well as an analysis on his political standpoint on certain issues with regards to his position and ideologies. Through data analysis of documentary videos and written report, the research team was able to assess former Mayor Duterte's political ideologies used as a strategy, and provide answers on why and how he was able to continue his socialist and leftist views in managing a whole country. Ultimately, the very essence of this research is to enlighten everyone on what could be in store for Filipinos during President Duterte's six-year term, since this paper provides facts and evaluation on his previous and current rule. Keywords Duterte, leftist, socialist, political ideology, strategy, administration INTRODUCTION Background of the Study The effectiveness of a national government, or a successful administration of a state will always be attributed to the highest ranking political leader of the land - which is the President or the Head of State in the Philippine set-up. Over the past few decades, the Filipinos have always yearned for a better government and have created high expectations from every President elected by the majority of the citizens. The desire to have an effective government free from corruption with peace and order all over the Philippine archipelago is expected by all Filipino citizens to be fulfilled by the elected Head of State. The current, as well as the 16th President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Roa Duterte is no exception. Amidst all the