Duterte's Popularity Endures Despite ICC Arrest, Family Fortunes Hang in Balance

Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is poised to win the mayoral election in Davao from his prison cell in The Hague, despite his arrest on charges of crimes against humanity. His popularity remains strong in his hometown, where his family has established a firm dynasty. Meanwhile, his daughter Sara Duterte, who is also running for office, faces an impeachment trial in the Senate after being accused of misusing funds and amassing unexplained wealth.

Key Takeaways:

• Rodrigo Duterte, the former Philippines President, is a strong contender for the mayoral election in Davao, despite his ICC arrest.
• His family has established a firm dynasty in the city, with four of his children and grandchildren running for office.
• Duterte's popularity in Davao remains strong, with supporters wearing T-shirts with slogans demanding his release and posing with cardboard cut-outs of the politician.
• Sara Duterte, his daughter and a candidate for office, faces an impeachment trial in the Senate after being accused of misusing funds and amassing unexplained wealth.
• The 2025 midterm elections will be crucial in determining whether the Duterte family continues to hold political power.
• A tussle for half of the 24 seats in the Senate is being watched closely, with Sara Duterte facing a lifetime ban from politics if she is impeached.

Statistics:

• 1.8 million people live in Davao, Duterte's hometown and the city where he is running for mayor.
• 18,000 national and local seats are up for election in Monday's midterm elections.
• 16 votes are needed to convict Sara Duterte if she is impeached.
• 22 years was the duration of Rodrigo Duterte's tenure as mayor of Davao before he assumed the presidency in 2016.
• Thousands of people attended a rally for Duterte's 80th birthday, dressed in green, the color associated with his political party.

Sources:

• Rodrigo Duterte's speech in 2018, in which he appeared to admit ordering the killings of up to 30,000 people.
• WR Numero, a polling firm, whose head, Cleve Arguelles, was quoted in CNN.
• Maria Ela Atienza, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines, who commented on the significance of the 2025 midterm elections.
• CNN, which reported on Duterte's popularity in Davao and Sara Duterte's impeachment trial.
• The ICC's statement on scheduling a hearing for Mr. Duterte's initial appearance.