Rodrigo Duterte's Enduring Popularity Amidst ICC Charges and Family's Electoral Success

Strategic Insights -

Rodrigo Duterte, former President of the Philippines and currently an inmate at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, continues to enjoy significant popularity in his home country. The ICC has charged Duterte with crimes against humanity due to his role in a brutal antidrug campaign that resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. Despite this, Duterte's family, particularly his daughter Sara and son Sebastian, appear to be thriving in the electoral sphere. Sara Duterte has seen a significant rise in her approval rating, while Sebastian is poised to win the vice-mayoral race in Davao City, which would make him the acting mayor if his father's detention continues.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rodrigo Duterte remains highly popular in the Philippines, with thousands of people dressing in green to show their support for his political party during the midterm elections.
  • Sara Duterte, the current vice president and daughter of Rodrigo Duterte, has seen her approval rating rise to 59%, while her father is facing charges of crimes against humanity at the ICC.
  • Sebastian Duterte, the son of Rodrigo Duterte, is poised to win the vice-mayoral race in Davao City, which would make him the acting mayor if his father's detention continues.
  • At least seven members of Rodrigo Duterte's family have taken commanding leads in the local election, suggesting a strong presence of the Duterte dynasty in the political sphere.
  • The Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has seen his approval rating plummet to 25% following the arrest of Rodrigo Duterte, while Duterte's supporters believe he is a victim of political persecution.
  • A video of Rodrigo Duterte's arrest was played at a rally in Manila, with supporters wearing T-shirts and carrying posters that said "Bring Him Home."
  • Rodrigo Duterte's camp has used his case in The Hague as a campaign tool, for example by distributing a video of his arrest at rallies.
  • Within the ICC, Rodrigo Duterte is being held in a Dutch prison, where he has access to library books, a computer, and a television but no internet connection.
  • A hearing for the confirmation of charges is scheduled for September 23, and Mr. Duterte's lawyers have called for his immediate and unconditional release.
  • In Davao, dozens of volunteers have camped out in front of Rodrigo Duterte's house since his arrest, signaling widespread support for the former President.

Statistics:

  • Rodrigo Duterte has garnered 63.3% of the vote in Davao City, far ahead of his closest rival, Karlo Nograles, who received 7.8% of the vote.
  • Sara Duterte's approval rating has risen to 59%, while her father's approval rating is unknown.
  • At least seven members of Rodrigo Duterte's family have taken commanding leads in the local election.
  • President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has seen his approval rating plummet to 25% following the arrest of Rodrigo Duterte.

Sources:

  • "Rodrigo Duterte's 80th birthday party last month in Davao City, the Philippines" (Eloisa Lopez / Reuters)
  • "Lining up to vote in Davao City on Monday. Mr. Duterte is being held in the Netherlands for crimes against humanity" (Ted Aljibe / Agence France-Presse/Getty Images)
  • This article appeared in print on page A4.