Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, has won another term as mayor of Davao City, his hometown, despite being detained in The Hague. Duterte is facing charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity related to his war on drugs, which resulted in thousands of deaths during his presidency. The election was part of the Philippines’ midterm polls, where over 18,000 government positions were up for grabs, ranging from local officials to provincial governors and senators.
A Family’s Fate Hangs in the Balance
The election has put the Duterte family’s political future under scrutiny. Duterte’s daughter, Sara Duterte, is currently serving as vice president and is facing impeachment proceedings. She is accused of threatening to kill the president, and if found guilty by the Senate, she could be removed from office and banned from running for president in 2028. The Duterte camp is hoping to gain nine more Senate seats to potentially save Sara Duterte from impeachment. Two of Duterte’s closest allies, Christopher “Bong” Go and Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, have already won Senate seats.
Duterte’s victory in the mayoral election is seen as a show of support from his loyal followers, despite his detention. However, it remains unclear how he will take office. His lawyers are discussing the matter with Filipino lawyers, but it’s likely that his son, Sebastian, who may become deputy mayor, will act on his behalf initially.
The midterm election has turned into a proxy war between the Duterte and Marcos families. The outcome of the Senate elections will have significant implications for Sara Duterte’s future. With 68% of the votes counted so far, the results are still uncertain.
A Complex Political Landscape
The Philippines’ complex political landscape is reflected in the Duterte family’s struggles. The country’s midterm elections have highlighted the ongoing tensions between different political factions. As the results continue to unfold, the fate of the Duterte family and their allies hangs in the balance.
Source: The Guardian