Dr. Jose Rizal put this idea forward in an essay published in La Solidaridad in 1889-1890. “Las Filipinas Dentro de Cien Anos (The Philippines a Century Hence)” is deemed the national hero’s most prescient essay for a number of predictions he boldly made, most of which have come to pass.

This particular prophecy, however, inched snail-paced down the century, prompting remarks that Rizal had failed with this one. Today, his prognosis is catching speed toward the finish line of probable fulfillment with the election of Rodrigo Duterte as the 16th President of the Philippines.