Former President Rodrigo Duterte, currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, appears poised to regain the mayoral seat in his hometown of Davao City, according to midterm election results. These results indicate that several candidates associated with his family are also leading in the Senate race, reinforcing the Duterte political dynasty’s stronghold on power in the Philippines.
The electoral outcomes are seen as a significant advantage for Vice President Sara Duterte, who is facing potential impeachment proceedings in July. In order to remove her from office, a two-thirds majority in the Senate is required, underscoring her precarious position. The midterm elections saw 18,320 elective positions contested, including 12 out of 24 Senate seats and all 317 positions in the House of Representatives, with nearly 69 million voters registered to participate.
Duterte’s expected victory in Davao, where he has previously served as mayor three times over a span of 22 years, is notable, with projections showing he has received more than 65 percent of the vote. If he assumes the mayoral role, it is anticipated that the city’s vice mayor, his son Sebastian Duterte, would step in to serve temporarily.
In the greater political context, while President Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte were not on the ballot, their families’ chosen candidates sought varied positions from the Senate to local offices. With Sara Duterte viewed as a strong contender for the 2028 presidential election, her prospects rest on Senate approval, as nine supporters are required to avert conviction during her impeachment trial.
The ongoing political conflict between the Marcos and Duterte families has further complicated the landscape. Sara Duterte has publicly accused the impeachment proceedings of being politically motivated, amidst claims of misuse of public funds and other allegations against her. This controversy has been exacerbated by the detention of Rodrigo Duterte on charges of “crimes against humanity” linked to the deaths of thousands during his tenure.
The alliance between the Marcos and Duterte families, which initially bolstered their political standings during the past elections, has grown more fragile, particularly following critical events involving their respective allies and indictments. With the political landscape rapidly evolving, the official election results are expected to be released within a week, setting the stage for continued developments in Philippine politics.
This situation emphasizes the complexities of governance and the interactions between justice and political ambitions. Despite the cloud of controversy surrounding the Duterte family, their enduring popularity in Davao suggests they remain significant players in the Philippine political arena, resonating with constituents who may prioritize local leadership stability amidst a tumultuous national backdrop.