Despite his imprisonment in The Hague on charges of crimes against humanity, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appears set to win an election, showcasing his enduring popularity in his stronghold of Davao. Duterte, known as “The Punisher” for his hardline stance, was arrested in March in connection with his controversial “war on drugs,” which human rights groups allege resulted in the extrajudicial killings of up to 30,000 people.
Despite denying any wrongdoing, Duterte’s arrest has seemingly galvanized his support, particularly in Davao, where he served as mayor for 22 years. “His ICC arrest doesn’t really shake the core of who Duterte is but rather, paradoxically, it only reinforces what Duterte stands for,” stated Cleve Arguelles, a political scientist and head of polling company WR Numero, to CNN.
Ahead of Monday’s midterm elections, supporters flooded Davao, wearing T-shirts demanding his release and posing with cardboard cut-outs of the former president. Thousands also rallied in green, the color of Duterte’s political party, to celebrate his 80th birthday in March. “I’ve seen what he accomplished as both mayor and president,” said Jennifer Maumbas, a Davao café worker, reflecting the sentiment of many in the city.
Duterte’s family, a powerful political dynasty in the region, has several members also running for office, further solidifying their influence. However, these elections are not just a show of Duterte’s popularity, they also serve as a crucial battleground in a burgeoning feud with the Marcos family.
The once-strong alliance between Duterte’s daughter, Vice-President Sara Duterte, and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has fractured. The 2025 midterm elections, in which 18,000 national and local seats are contested, are seen as pivotal in determining the future political landscape and which family will dominate the 2028 presidential elections.
Read more: Ex Philippine president Duterte arrested over drug war killings
A key focus of the elections is the Senate race, where half of the 24 seats are up for grabs. Sara Duterte faces a potential impeachment trial, accused of misusing funds and amassing unexplained wealth. If impeached, she would be removed from office and barred from future political positions, potentially derailing her presidential ambitions.
In a recent rally, Sara Duterte claimed her family’s name has been “dragged through the mud” and blamed the current administration for the country’s woes. “Who will really benefit if the Duterte family is gone from this world? Not the Filipinos, not the victims of crime, the unemployed, the poor or even the hungry,” she asserted.
Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has announced that a hearing for Rodrigo Duterte’s initial appearance will be scheduled “in due course.” The results of the election will determine the political strength of the Duterte family, and their ongoing battle with the Marcos dynasty
