He acknowledged the importance of combatting the illegal drug trade but expressed concern about the increasing number of extrajudicial killings linked to Duterte’s crackdown.

Taylor himself battled with drug addiction in the 1960s. He was hooked on heroin early in his career and later on methadone, an opioid used to reduce symptoms that come with drug withdrawal. Many of Taylor’s songs reflect this struggle and carry themes about addiction and salvation.

Duterte’s controversial tactics to rid the Philippines of illegal drugs has claimed more than 6,000 lives. In a recent survey, a majority of Filipinos said they were worried one of their family members would be killed in his war on drugs, but many retain positive views about the administration.

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