Davao City, Philippines – Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has secured a landslide victory in the Davao City mayoral race, despite being detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
A Landslide Win
According to preliminary election results, Duterte received over 600,000 votes, nearly eight times more than his closest rival, Karlo Nograles. His son, Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, is also leading the vice mayoral race, further cementing the family’s political dominance in their home city.
Legal and Political Implications
Duterte’s detention at the ICC stems from allegations of crimes against humanity related to his controversial war on drugs, which led to thousands of deaths during his presidency. Despite his legal troubles, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has confirmed that he remains eligible to hold office, as he has not been convicted in a Philippine court.
Vice President Sara Duterte, his daughter, has stated that her father’s legal team is exploring ways for him to take his oath remotely before the June 30 deadline. If Duterte is unable to assume office, the vice mayor will step in as the acting mayor, as per the Local Government Code.
The Duterte Political Dynasty
The Duterte family has maintained a strong grip on Davao City politics for over three decades. Rodrigo Duterte previously served as mayor for more than 22 years, before becoming president in 2016. His daughter, Sara Duterte, held the mayoral position from 2016 to 2022, while his son, Baste Duterte, is the current mayor.
With Duterte’s victory, the family’s political influence remains unshaken, even as the former president faces international legal challenges.
What’s Next?
As the official proclamation approaches, legal experts and political analysts are closely watching how Duterte’s detention at the ICC will impact his ability to govern. His supporters remain hopeful that he will find a way to assume office, while critics argue that his legal troubles could complicate governance in Davao City.
