Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, achieved a stunning victory in the Davao mayoral election despite being detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Duterte prevailed in the race by a landslide, receiving around 405,000 votes. This is eight times as many as his closest competitor, who received just 49,000 votes. This extraordinary result comes as Duterte faces a second set of murder charges—these brought on his doorstep—where they belong. These charges are related to his disastrous “war on drugs” that has led to the deaths of thousands.
A complete breakdown of the election results reveals that Duterte has deep support in his home city, Davao. He still commands an iron political fist there. With over 60 percent of the returns tallied, his family’s political dynasty is glowing bright. His two sons’ political battles ended in victory: the elder son was re-elected congressman while the other son won the vice-mayoral race.
The Context of Duterte’s Detention
Duterte’s current situation is complex. In March, his ICC warrant was enforced when he was unexpectedly arrested by Philippine police at the ICC’s request and brought to The Hague. His supporters took to the streets in protest, calling his arrest politically motivated. Thousands poured onto social media as check-points in the rust belt opened to demonstrate their faithfulness. They inundated Duterte’s retired Facebook page with messages of praise and demands for his return to power.
“Congratulations, Tatay (father) D! Let’s bring him home.” – a supporter of Rodrigo Duterte
Duterte has significant legal obstacles looming on the horizon. He would become the first Asian former head of state to go on trial in The Hague at the ICC. His upcoming trial raises worries regarding his political legacy. It calls into question the future of his family’s political dynasty in Davao.
A Family Legacy in Politics
Duterte’s relatives still hold substantial electoral and political leadership power in Davao, which is a major political earthquake fault line. With his daughter, Sara Duterte, following close behind as she pursues her own political ambitions. Today, she finds herself in the middle of an impeachment trial, where conviction could mean a lifetime ban from holding office. In spite of these challenges, she is almost guaranteed to be a major player in her father’s administration.
Sara Duterte said in no uncertain terms he wouldn’t be here. She wants the vice mayor, Sebastian, to step up as acting mayor. The Duterte family is currently executing a well-careered political strategy. They are simply hell-bent on continuing their iron grip over Davao’s governance.
The election results solidify the Duterte family’s dominance in local politics, suggesting their influence will remain significant regardless of Rodrigo Duterte’s legal battles.
Future Implications
Duterte’s resounding electoral victory foretells the return of a deep-seated support base that might prove to be crucial and opportunistic for other political undertakings. As he remains detained, his family’s political presence may play a critical role in shaping Davao’s governance and addressing the concerns of their constituents.
Duterte’s lasting popularity will largely determine the fate of this election. It poses essential challenges to accountability and governance in Philippine politics, particularly during a time of grave allegations of human rights violations.
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