Former Philippine President Duterte Elected Mayor of Davao City from Jail
Rodrigo Duterte garners significant electoral support while facing charges for crimes against humanity.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been elected mayor of Davao City, his hometown, despite currently being incarcerated in The Hague.
Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity brought by the International Criminal Court (ICC) due to his administration's controversial anti-drug campaign.
As of the recent election, with approximately 80 percent of votes counted, Duterte had a substantial lead over his nearest rival, holding nearly eight times as many votes as his opponent.
Duterte, aged 80, is under prosecution for alleged human rights violations linked to his aggressive anti-drug policy which included the establishment of death squads targeting drug dealers and users.
The ICC has attributed at least 43 murders directly to him; however, estimates suggest that the total number of deaths resulting from his actions could be as high as 20,000.
Despite the ongoing legal challenges, interest in Duterte remains high among parts of the Philippine population.
His arrest in March 2023 has reportedly intensified his support among his followers.
The Duterte family continues to exert significant political influence in the Philippines.
Duterte’s daughter serves as vice president, while one of his sons is a member of Congress and is expected to be re-elected.
Another son is a strong candidate for the position of vice mayor of Davao City, likely to assume the role in place of his father while Duterte remains detained.
In conjunction with the mayoral election, parliamentary elections are also taking place in the Philippines, marked by fierce competition between the Duterte family and the family of the current president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This rivalry has escalated to the point of death threats being exchanged between factions.
Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity brought by the International Criminal Court (ICC) due to his administration's controversial anti-drug campaign.
As of the recent election, with approximately 80 percent of votes counted, Duterte had a substantial lead over his nearest rival, holding nearly eight times as many votes as his opponent.
Duterte, aged 80, is under prosecution for alleged human rights violations linked to his aggressive anti-drug policy which included the establishment of death squads targeting drug dealers and users.
The ICC has attributed at least 43 murders directly to him; however, estimates suggest that the total number of deaths resulting from his actions could be as high as 20,000.
Despite the ongoing legal challenges, interest in Duterte remains high among parts of the Philippine population.
His arrest in March 2023 has reportedly intensified his support among his followers.
The Duterte family continues to exert significant political influence in the Philippines.
Duterte’s daughter serves as vice president, while one of his sons is a member of Congress and is expected to be re-elected.
Another son is a strong candidate for the position of vice mayor of Davao City, likely to assume the role in place of his father while Duterte remains detained.
In conjunction with the mayoral election, parliamentary elections are also taking place in the Philippines, marked by fierce competition between the Duterte family and the family of the current president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This rivalry has escalated to the point of death threats being exchanged between factions.
