Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, 79, has registered as a candidate for mayor of Davao City in the 2025 elections, aiming to return to the position he held for two decades before becoming president. Duterte’s son, Sebastian Duterte, is set to be his running mate in the elections.
Duterte’s decision to run for mayor follows a public falling out with the family of his successor, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This move is seen as a strategy to support Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, who is widely expected to run for president in 2028.
The 2025 elections are crucial for both the Duterte and Marcos families as they seek to solidify their support ahead of the 2028 campaign. However, Duterte and Marcos are facing local and international investigations over alleged human rights abuses committed during Duterte’s drug war, which has continued under Marcos’ presidency.
The International Criminal Court is investigating allegations of human rights abuses during Duterte’s drug war, which saw thousands of people killed. Duterte has denied condoning extrajudicial killings, but has openly threatened suspects with death. Sara Duterte, who recently resigned from her government posts, is also facing impeachment threats in the House of Representatives.
The upcoming elections in Davao City will be closely watched, as Duterte seeks to make the city “better than yesterday” while facing legal challenges and political implications stemming from his controversial drug war policies.
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