Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is set to become mayor of Davao City again, even though he is being held at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for charges linked to killings during his anti-drug campaign.
With 80% of votes counted, unofficial results show Duterte getting eight times more votes than his closest opponent in Monday’s election.
This win shows that many people in Davao still support the 80-year-old leader. He is known for being tough on crime, which earned him nicknames like “Duterte Harry” and “the Punisher.”
Supporters posted messages on his old Facebook page, congratulating him and calling for his return.
“Congratulations, Tatay D! Let’s bring him home,” one person wrote.
If his case goes to trial, Duterte may become the first former Asian leader to face trial at the ICC.
His arrest in March by Philippine police, following the ICC’s request, shocked his loyal followers. Many called it kidnapping ordered by a foreign court. Duterte’s legal team says his arrest was illegal, but the ICC says it has the right to investigate him, especially for crimes committed before the Philippines left the court’s treaty in 2019.
The ICC is also looking into alleged killings by a “death squad” in Davao when Duterte was mayor, which he denies. Experts say his arrest only made his supporters more loyal, both in Davao and other places.
On the same day, Duterte’s two sons also won local positions — one kept his seat in Congress, and the other won the race for Davao vice mayor, and may serve while their father is detained.
This strong showing could help the Duterte family stay powerful in politics, especially as Vice President Sara Duterte, Duterte’s daughter, is facing impeachment. If she is removed, she may no longer be allowed to run for president in the future.
When asked about her father’s expected win, Sara said they are preparing for his official oath-taking.
“Once we get the proclamation papers, the ICC lawyer said we can discuss how he will take the oath,” she said.
