Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte filed his candidacy on Monday to run for mayor of Davao City in next year’s midterm elections, marking his return to politics. Davao, a family stronghold for the Dutertes, has been a key base for the former president, who is known for launching a violent drug war during his presidency in 2016, now the subject of both local and international investigations.
“I want to serve you,” said the 79-year-old Duterte, father of Vice President Sara Duterte, after submitting his candidacy documents. His running mate will be his son, the current Davao mayor, Sebastian Duterte. Duterte emphasized his vision of making Davao “better than yesterday.”
The move is widely seen as an effort to strengthen support for his daughter Sara, who is expected to run for president in the 2028 elections. The upcoming 2025 midterm polls are seen as critical for both the Duterte and Marcos families as they work to secure their political influence ahead of the presidential race.
Duterte’s decision follows a public falling out with the family of Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos, who is gearing up for the same 2028 contest. Former Duterte spokesman Harry Roque highlighted the political strategy behind the move, noting that “the basic rule in politics is to protect one’s bailiwick at all cost.”
Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) continues its investigation into alleged human rights violations tied to Duterte’s brutal anti-drug campaign, which persists under the Marcos administration. The Philippines House of Representatives is also conducting hearings into the drug war killings, with official records stating that over 6,000 people were killed in anti-drug operations. However, ICC prosecutors estimate the death toll to be between 12,000 and 30,000.
Vice President Sara Duterte, who has faced impeachment threats from the House of Representatives led by Speaker Martin Romualdez—cousin to President Marcos and another likely 2028 presidential candidate—also finds herself in a complex political situation.
