Duterte Poised for Davao City Mayoral Win Amid Legal Troubles

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, though detained in The Hague, appears on track to secure another term as Davao City mayor. Ahead of the May 12 elections, he leads with 63.3% of votes despite facing serious international legal charges. The political situation is complicated, with polls suggesting divided public opinion on his past actions. Meanwhile, his family remains influential in local elections, signaling the ongoing loyalty of many Filipinos.

In the Philippines, the upcoming midterm elections are proving to be exciting as former President Rodrigo Duterte, currently detained in The Hague, appears poised to triumph once more in the mayoral race of Davao City. A recent unofficial tally shows him claiming over 63% of the vote by late evening, well ahead of his competitor, Karlo Nograles, who garnered about 7.8%. As electoral officials prepare to finalize results on May 13, the irony lies in Duterte facing life imprisonment while his political dynasty continues to thrive.

Duterte celebrated his 80th birthday on March 28, shortly after his arrest. Flowers and birthday cards flooded the International Criminal Court as evidence of his lingering popularity. Nicholas Kaufman, Duterte’s attorney, mentioned, “The place was inundated with flowers,” and noted the unsorted mail received by the court. Meanwhile, in Davao City, thousands paraded in support of their former leader, signaling his widespread appeal despite serious allegations of crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug crackdown.

While polling suggests that many Filipinos support the investigation against him, Duterte’s loyal supporters believe he is being subjected to political persecution by the current administration under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This dynamic has stirred up a complicated political climate. Following Duterte’s arrest, Marcos saw his approval ratings drop significantly, while Sara Duterte, his daughter and current vice president, experienced a spike in support.

This election season is pivotal for the Duterte family as they seek to solidify their political power. While a coalition of rival political clans, who were once associates of the Dutertes, has emerged to challenge their dominance in Davao, they still seem to hold a significant advantage. Notably, Sebastian Duterte, one of Rodrigo’s sons, is leading the vice-mayoral race according to preliminary results.

Additonally, Sara Duterte has also been facing her own form of scrutiny due to multiple impeachment complaints. As the Senate prepares to deliberate on her cases, the political stakes are high for the Duterte clan as they pursue more control in the legislature where half the Senate seats are up for grabs.

Notably, there are interesting developments regarding Duterte’s life in custody. Kaufman shared that despite some challenges, the former president is adapting, although he humorously requested traditional food as he is not used to the menu at the detention facility where he resides. While maintaining a routine that includes limited exercise and family visits, Duterte also enjoys the ability to make phone calls and watch the news; his situation has led some to jokingly refer to the facility as a “five star Hilton.”

However, it’s crucial to remember that despite the amenities, he is indeed in prison, and Kaufman’s filing argues against the legitimacy of the ICC’s proceedings based on previous treaty statuses involving the Philippines.

The community remains active with numerous supporters camping outside Duterte’s residence in Davao, reflecting their commitment. As one supporter, Janice Mahipus, stated, “We will never get tired waiting for him.” With the political landscape shifting and more elections on the horizon, the next few months will be vital in determining the trajectory of the Duterte family and the Philippines.

The political climate in the Philippines remains charged as former President Rodrigo Duterte nears another potential term as mayor amid serious legal challenges. With his popularity apparent even from detention, the dynamics of power are shifting. The support he retains among Filipinos showcases the complexity of political loyalty, even in the face of allegations of human rights abuses. The future holds uncertainty particularly for Sara Duterte and the broader political landscape of Davao City, as the Duterte legacy navigates its turbulent waters.

Original Source: www.straitstimes.com