Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, 79, has registered as a candidate for mayor of Davao City, the stronghold he led for two decades before becoming president. Duterte’s son, Sebastian, will be his running mate. Duterte’s decision to run for mayor comes after a public falling out with the family of his successor, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This move is seen as an effort to support his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, who may run for president in 2028. The 2025 election is crucial for both the Duterte and Marcos families as they aim to solidify their support ahead of the 2028 campaign.
Duterte’s term as president was marked by a controversial drug war that led to thousands of deaths. The International Criminal Court is investigating allegations of human rights abuses during this time, and the House of Representatives is conducting hearings on the drug war killings. Despite denying condoning extrajudicial killings, Duterte’s administration faced criticism from international human rights groups and governments.
Sara Duterte, who recently resigned from her government positions, is also facing impeachment threats in the House of Representatives. The upcoming election will not only determine Duterte’s political future but will also impact the legacy of his administration and the ongoing investigations into human rights violations. The Duterte and Marcos families are closely linked in Philippine politics, and their decisions in the 2025 election will shape the country’s political landscape in the years to come.
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