By now most people who keep an eye on the Philippines will have come across sensationalist headlines of blood in the streets and a growing body count since the election of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Naturally, this causes many people concern, and some may be wondering if it’s still safe to retire in the Philippines.
So, are the rumors true?
Yes, to a large extent the rumors in the newspapers are true. People are definitely dying and there is a lot of killing in the streets. However, what newspapers eager to sell copies and run by vested interests won’t tell you is that there is absolutely zero evidence to show it is actually Duterte who is responsible for any of it.
It’s true that he hasn’t exactly discouraged the idea, and at times has crossed the line and actually encouraged it, but the killings could just as easily be the work of panic-stricken drug lords who realize the game is over and who are trying to tie up loose ends.
While there have been failed attempts to link the president to death squads, there is no smoking gun, and until there is, I will stick by the principle of innocent until proven guilty (I know there’s some irony in this, but that’s life).
The second thing that isn’t reported is that in most of the country nothing violent or terrifying is happening at all. Think about how big the Philippines is, and how many towns, cities and provinces there are. Yes, 1 or 2 people involved with drugs are being bumped off every few days, and undoubtedly some of them are innocent, but in the grand scheme it really isn’t that many and like everywhere in the world, if you stay out of it, you generally don’t have anything to fear.
My insight into this is largely due to the fact that I grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and I’m aware of how most of what qualifies as ‘reporting’ is exaggeration and propaganda. I used to walk along the very same streets which I’d seen utterly destroyed on TV the night before, and not notice much of a difference. It’s pretty much the same here – there’s a war going on alright, but there’s absolutely no sign of it, at least from my vantage point.
I will say, however, that I have noticed several positive changes since the election of Duterte. Just yesterday a brand new trash truck pulled up outside my house and emptied the bins, white lines have magically appeared in the middle of the roads, people are actually stopping to let me cross the road, and new electrical pylons are being erected as I write this.
I’m not sure I can connect the two in a direct cause and effect relationship, but change is in the air and it is palpable. From what I can see, it’s largely positive, being that I neither take nor sell drugs and have nothing whatsoever to fear.
I’m not trying to paint the Duterte administration as some angelic Godsend, nor is it really my place to comment on the politics of a country in which I am not a citizen. I will reserve judgment, as it is both polite and prudent to do so, until the results are in and history is written.
For now, let me answer the question this article set out to address – yes, it’s still very safe to retire in the Philippines, and if things keep improving gradually as they have been, it will continue to remain so, long into the future.
It is really heart warming to see finally Philippines get a president who is interested in the welfare of its people from a country before corrupted by politicians and govt officials protecting smugglers and illegal traders to fill their greedy pockets..president like Mr duerte is the need of the hour for this poor country .if he has to eliminate boot levers and criminals who destroy this beautiful land that is his job ,he should continue with his hard work to see a better tomorrow for the Philippines and not listen to usa or Europe.it is non of their business to interfere in the good governance by the president of this country.as a foreigner I appreciate him.let god give him more muscle to set everything alright.
Agree. For me, Duterte makes the Philippines a better place to retire. If you are a drug dealer, not so good.
To say that I have been concerned, about the future safety of any American who wants to emigrate to the Philippines, is an understatement. President Duterte has been very angry at the American government. Hopefully he will not become angry at the individual American citizen. It is very good to hear that the danger factor in the Philippines has been grossly exaggerated, and good to hear about the positive changes under President Duterte. I was reading several days ago about poor farmers and children who have suffered under the heavy hand of rich land barons. It brought tears to my eyes. So very many hungry children are in the Philippines. Thankfully that looks to be changing.
I will be visiting very soon and I don’t believe it is extremely dangerous for most people but things seem a bit erratic there for me and I don’t like the idea of ANY innocent people (especially a few CHILDREN) being caught in the cross fire. I plan on retiring in the Philippines in the future (way after Mr. Duterte’s regime) but if I were some how magically able to afford to retire tomorrow, I would in no way move there. I am hearing other disturbing stories and I don’t like what I am hearing.
The Global Peace Index for 2016 rates the Philippines 139 out of about 163 countries. Not a very great score. The US is only 103. I’m American living in Hungary (rated No. 19). I suspect next years score will be worse. I have made two big trips to PI. I was attacked and injured once by a crazy person. But I made many wonderful friends there. It’s fundamental problem is that it is only about twice the si ze of Michigan but has about 100+ million people. From what I can gather between 2003 and 2013 somewhere around 300-350 foriegners were murdered in PI. The real numbers might actually be higher. I finally decided against retirement in PI. But I met many ex-pats who do fine there.
My Registered Nurse Filipina-American wife of 16 years is thrilled every day to wake up in the Bay Area of California employed with a top union salary and safe streets. The LAST place she wanted to spend our Golden Years was her Batangas homeland. But guess what..with years of careful discussion,planning & investment we WILL retire to the Philippines ?? & we WILL enjoy her extended family living there & her successful siblings visiting us from Europe & Canada. Problems are growing in the Philippines but solutions will come. There is no better place to enjoy retirement with your native born wife living with her cherished clan close by. Plan..read blogs (like this)..and trust your instincts. You might find that ‘pot of gold’ at the end of the proverbial ?! Now..”kanin na tayo!”
This article is well written. It reminds me of the early 80’s. I was stationed at Clark AB, Pampanga. Typhoons hit, Marcos was ousted, Aquino assassinated. My Family in the U.S. was petrified for my safety. Granted, these events were real, they just didn’t impact my day-to-day life. If I hadn’t read the headlines, I would have been naively (and geographically) oblivious.
Next month, we leave for my wife’s hometown on Leyte to test the waters for 45-days. Time will tell… and so will I, in an update; hopefully less stressed, happier, and ready to return (like MacArthur)!
Jay – Thanks for your compliment on the article. I’ve never been to Leyte so can’t give an honest opinion, but I wish you luck. When you get settled, maybe you could come back and update us on your progress?
Take care
Steve