Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, has been elected mayor of his hometown while facing charges at The Hague for his controversial drug war. Partial election results reveal that two of his close aides have retained their senate positions, while the future of his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, hangs in the balance amid political rivalry with the Marcos dynasty.
Rodrigo Duterte Elected Mayor While Detained in The Hague
Rodrigo Duterte Elected Mayor While Detained in The Hague
Former Philippine president seeks to maintain family legacy amid political turmoil
In the latest twist of Philippine politics, Rodrigo Duterte was elected mayor of Davao City from his detention in The Hague, where he faces accusations stemming from his notorious drug war. Despite his absence, early, unofficial results indicate he successfully reclaimed his post in the family's political stronghold, a position his family has dominated since the mid-1980s.
Duterte's long-time aides, Christopher "Bong" Go and Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, secured re-election to the Senate, showcasing ongoing support for the Duterte faction. Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte’s political fate is uncertain; she risks impeachment that could terminate her political ambitions ahead of a potential presidential run in 2028.
This midterm election has showcased a fierce rivalry between the Duterte and Marcos families. While the election saw a record 18,000 positions contested across the Philippines, it has also emerged as a defining moment for whether Sara Duterte can maintain her political influence. A jury made up of Senate members will now deliberate on her potential impeachment, complicating the current political landscape.
Despite uncertainty around her candidacy, public sentiment appears to favor the Vice President, even as President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. struggles to exert influence over the election. Only one of his endorsed candidates made significant headway in the unofficial tallies.
Election day was marred by incidents of violence, machine malfunctions, and long queues amid soaring temperatures, further highlighting the issues faced by Philippine democracy. Yet, as celebrity politics continue to reign, many citizens remain focused on pressing issues such as corruption and the economy.
With his family maintaining a firm grasp on power in Davao, and with a son elected as vice-mayor, the Duterte legacy is likely to endure despite the controversies that define his political journey.
Duterte's long-time aides, Christopher "Bong" Go and Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, secured re-election to the Senate, showcasing ongoing support for the Duterte faction. Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte’s political fate is uncertain; she risks impeachment that could terminate her political ambitions ahead of a potential presidential run in 2028.
This midterm election has showcased a fierce rivalry between the Duterte and Marcos families. While the election saw a record 18,000 positions contested across the Philippines, it has also emerged as a defining moment for whether Sara Duterte can maintain her political influence. A jury made up of Senate members will now deliberate on her potential impeachment, complicating the current political landscape.
Despite uncertainty around her candidacy, public sentiment appears to favor the Vice President, even as President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. struggles to exert influence over the election. Only one of his endorsed candidates made significant headway in the unofficial tallies.
Election day was marred by incidents of violence, machine malfunctions, and long queues amid soaring temperatures, further highlighting the issues faced by Philippine democracy. Yet, as celebrity politics continue to reign, many citizens remain focused on pressing issues such as corruption and the economy.
With his family maintaining a firm grasp on power in Davao, and with a son elected as vice-mayor, the Duterte legacy is likely to endure despite the controversies that define his political journey.
