Rodrigo Duterte, 71, is the tough-talking mayor from the former crime capital of the Philippines, Davao.
He is now set to run the country, after his main rival in the country's presidential election Mar Roxas conceded defeat on Tuesday.
A win places Duterte's foreign policy in the spotlight after he threatened to cut-off diplomatic relations with Australia during the campaign.
Political analyst at the University of Sydney Dr Aim Sinpeng believes Mr Duterte is likely to adopt a more diplomatic stance when he is officially declared president.
"Throughout his election campaign he paid very little attention to foreign policy," Dr Sinpeng said.
"So we will likely see a more moderate, softer version of Duterte overseas. But he will maintain his tough guy, tough talking personality at home.
“He positioned himself as an anti-establishment candidate and that’s how he became so popular among so many Filipinos.
“I expect that once he assumes the presidency, he will be more moderate in the international arena, particularly speaking in international forums such as ASEAN, or speaking to Australia."
After declaring himself winner on Tuesday, Mr Duterte said he planned to "begin the healing" with the more than 60 per cent of voters who did not support him.
He also expressed his desire to participate in regional security talks with Australia and the US, in relation to the South China Sea dispute.
“The fact that he actually initiated reaching out, to continue talks in the region in the South China Sea in particular, shows that he’s wanting to be more moderate and accommodating," Dr Sinpeng said.
Mr Roxas had the support of the ruling party, but not the voters.
"Rodrigo, I wish you success," he said.
"Your victory is the victory of our people and our nation."
Mr Duterte is determined to bring about change.
The first item on his list is a re-write of the constitution aimed at introducing parliamentary system of government, which he hopes will empower the provinces.
Mr Duterte said if he cannot get the support of congress to pass the law, he will do it by force.
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Joining him in parliament is Geraldine Roman, the nation's first transgender politician.
Dr Sinpeng said Ms Roman's election represents a major breakthrough in the conservative nation where religion is deeply embedded in politics.
"The outlook of the Philippines I believe has been much more conservative than the actual people living there themselves," Dr Sinpeng said.
"So the victory of a transgender candidate actually shows that the Filippino electorates are catching up with the realities."
