MWE Correspondent
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared poised to win the mayoralty of his hometown by a significant margin on Monday, despite being detained at the International Criminal Court on murder charges related to crimes against humanity.
With 80% of votes tallied in an unofficial count, Duterte, who was taken to The Hague in March due to his controversial “war on drugs” that resulted in thousands of deaths, was leading the Davao mayoral race with eight times the votes of his closest opponent.
This victory in the nationwide midterm elections highlights the 80-year-old’s lasting influence in the southern city, bolstered by his reputation as a crime-fighter that earned him the nicknames “Duterte Harry” and “the Punisher.”
Duterte’s former Facebook account was inundated with congratulatory messages from supporters, many expressing desires for his return to public service.
“Congratulations, Tatay (father) D! Let’s bring him home,” one comment stated.
Duterte could potentially become the first former Asian head of state to stand trial at the ICC.
His unexpected arrest by Philippine authorities at the ICC’s request sparked outrage among his loyal supporters, who labeled it a kidnapping orchestrated by a foreign court.
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He has stood by the anti-drug crackdown, and his legal team argues that his arrest was unlawful. The ICC asserts it has the authority to prosecute alleged crimes committed before Duterte withdrew the Philippines from its founding treaty in 2019.
Although the ICC’s case includes accusations of killings of criminal suspects by a “death squad” in Davao during Duterte’s tenure as mayor—claims he denies—analysts suggest that his arrest has only strengthened support for him and his family, both in Davao and beyond.
On Monday, the former president’s two sons were also poised to secure positions: one was reelected as congressman, while the other won the contest for Davao vice mayor, likely to step in during his father’s absence.
The family’s political strength and dominance in Davao could be crucial as Duterte’s popular daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, faces an impeachment trial that could lead to a lifetime ban from politics if convicted, effectively ending her presidential aspirations.
When asked earlier on Monday about her father’s anticipated victory, she indicated that plans would be made for him to take the oath of office as mayor.
“The ICC lawyer said once we receive the proclamation papers, we will discuss how he can take the oath,” she stated.
