Rodrigo Duterte Wins Davao Mayoral Race Despite Imprisonment in The Hague for Crimes Against Humanity
- Victor Nwoko
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Rodrigo Duterte has been re-elected mayor of Davao City, the Duterte family's long-time political stronghold, despite currently being imprisoned in The Hague for alleged crimes against humanity related to his controversial war on drugs. The 80-year-old former president secured a commanding lead with over 405,000 votes—far ahead of his closest competitor, who trailed with just 49,000 votes—based on unofficial tallies with more than 60% of election returns counted.
Duterte was arrested in March and extradited to the Netherlands, where he awaits trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for thousands of extrajudicial killings during his administration’s brutal anti-drug campaign. Despite international condemnation, Duterte remains deeply popular among his base, who admire his tough rhetoric and populist appeal.
In the lead-up to Monday’s elections, his detention galvanized support, sparking mass rallies in Davao. On his 80th birthday in March, tens of thousands of supporters lit candles and sang in solidarity. Campaigns across the region featured slogans demanding Duterte’s return to the Philippines and framed his arrest as a politically motivated act of persecution.
Questions remain over how Duterte will assume the mayoral office while incarcerated abroad. His daughter, impeached Vice President Sara Duterte, stated that legal teams both in the Philippines and at the ICC are working on the matter. It is widely expected that vice-mayoral duties will be handled by his son, Sebastian Duterte, who is also projected to win his race.
The Duterte family has accused the Philippine government of "kidnapping" the former president. In a message recorded after his arrest, Duterte claimed full responsibility for his administration’s policies and reaffirmed his commitment to the Filipino people.
The broader electoral outcome presented a mixed picture for the Duterte political dynasty. Sara Duterte admitted that “the outcome was not what we had hoped for,” although several of her allies outperformed expectations in the Senate races. She did not appear on the ballot but faces an impeachment trial in the Senate over accusations of fund misuse and threatening remarks targeting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the First Lady, and the Speaker of the House.
A two-thirds majority in the 24-seat Senate—16 votes—would be required to convict her and disqualify her from future office, including a potential presidential run in 2028. As of midnight, five Duterte-backed candidates were on track to win Senate seats, while Marcos-aligned candidates were projected to win six. One candidate reportedly affiliated with both camps was being counted by both factions.
Opposition figures critical of both the Marcos and Duterte families also made a stronger showing than anticipated, signaling potential shifts in the country's political landscape. In a post-election statement, Sara Duterte pledged continued vigilance and resistance, saying, “We will continue to hold the government accountable, advocate for the issues that matter, and work tirelessly to serve as a strong and constructive opposition.”
Comments