According to Karen Lema and Mikhail Flores in Manila (Reuters), former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is poised to win the mayoral election in his hometown by a large margin, despite being detained at the International Criminal Court on charges of murder as a crime against humanity. With 80% of votes tallied in an unofficial count, Duterte, who was taken to The Hague in March due to his controversial “war on drugs” resulting in numerous deaths, is leading the race for Davao mayor with a significant lead over his closest competitor. This victory in the nationwide midterm elections underscores the 80-year-old’s enduring popularity in the southern city, where he is known for his tough stance on crime, earning him nicknames such as “Duterte Harry” and “the Punisher.”
Supporters flooded Duterte’s old Facebook account with congratulatory messages, some urging his return to public service. Despite his arrest by Philippine authorities at the behest of the ICC causing uproar among his followers, who viewed it as a foreign court’s interference, Duterte remains defiant, defending his anti-drug campaign and refuting the legitimacy of his detention. While facing the prospect of becoming the first Asian former head of state to stand trial at the ICC, his family’s political prominence in Davao is set to continue, with his sons securing electoral victories on Monday. The political strength and influence of the Duterte family in Davao could prove crucial as Vice President Sara Duterte confronts an impeachment trial that threatens her political future.
As his daughter navigates the impeachment proceedings, Rodrigo Duterte’s impending mayoral win prompts discussions on his oath-taking ceremony, with plans underway for his return to office. Despite the legal challenges and controversies surrounding Duterte, his popularity remains strong among his supporters, solidifying his family’s grip on power in Davao and beyond.
