Rodrigo Duterte's Enduring Popularity in the Philippines Amid Crimes Against Humanity Charges

Strategic Insights -

As former President Rodrigo Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court, his popularity in the Philippines remains high, with thousands flocking to the streets of Davao City to show their support, even as his family's members make significant gains in local elections. Despite the ICC's investigation into the brutal antidrug campaign that resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, Duterte appears poised to win re-election as mayor of Davao City, while his daughter, Sara Duterte, is running for the presidency.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rodrigo Duterte's popularity in the Philippines remains high, with thousands showing support for him in the streets of Davao City, even as he faces charges of crimes against humanity.
  • Duterte's family members are making significant gains in local elections, with his son Sebastian appearing poised to win the vice-mayoral race.
  • Sara Duterte, the former vice president and daughter of Rodrigo Duterte, has risen to 59% approval ratings, according to a Pulse Asia survey, and is a strong contender for the presidency.
  • Seven members of Duterte's family are leading in the local election, with three of the country's major political families - the Nograleses, the Garcias, and the Al-ags - combining forces to challenge the Dutertes in Davao.
  • The Duterte camp has used his case at the ICC as a campaign tool, with a rally in Manila playing a video of his arrest and attendees wearing T-shirts and carrying posters that read "BRING HIM HOME."
  • Rodrigo Duterte has access to basic amenities in his detention facility, including rice, Coke Zero, and a gym, but is not connected to the internet and has limited access to his defense filings.

Statistics:

  • Rodrigo Duterte captured 63.3% of the vote in the midterm elections, far ahead of his closest rival, Karlo Nograles, at 7.8%.
  • Sara Duterte's approval ratings rose to 59% from 52% before the election, according to a Pulse Asia survey.
  • At least seven members of Rodrigo Duterte's family are leading in the local election, including his son Sebastian and his daughter Sarah.
  • The Duterte camp has obtained significant support, with volunteers camping out in front of Mr. Duterte's house in Davao since his arrest and thousands showing up to vote for him in local elections.
  • The ICC has received several waves of mail and flowers for Rodrigo Duterte since his arrest, including birthday cards on his 80th birthday.

Sources:

  • Nicholas Kaufman, Rodrigo Duterte's lawyer
  • Sarah Duterte, Rodrigo Duterte's daughter and current vice president of the Philippines
  • Fadi El Abdallah, ICC spokesman
  • Aie Balagtas See, journalist who contributed reporting
  • Pulse Asia, survey research organization
  • Reuters, Agence France-Presse, and Getty Images, news agencies