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Duterte wins mayoral election in the Philippines from detention in The Hague
Rodrigo Duterte wins Davao mayoral election despite being detained at the ICC in The Hague. Supporters celebrate his victory and demand his return. A surprising trend in Philippine politics.
Duterte wins mayoral election in the Philippines from detention in The Hague
Manila, Philippines – Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte most likely won the office of mayor of his hometown on Monday with an overwhelming result. This happened despite him arrest by the International Criminal Court for murder as a crime against humanity.
Election victory despite legal challenges
With 80% of the vote in an unofficial count, Duterte, who was sent to The Hague in March over his bloody "drug war" policies that killed thousands, is clearly ahead with eight times as many votes as his nearest rival.
A sign of his lasting influence
The victory in the nationwide midterm elections is a testament to the 80-year-old's continued influence in the southern city, where he has made a name for himself as a champion of law and order and earned the nicknames "Duterte Harry" and "the Punisher."
Support from the population
On Duterte's old Facebook account, many followers showered him with congratulations, some even calling for his return to serve the people. "Congratulations Tatay (Father) D! Let's bring him home," one of the comments read.
First legal steps before the International Criminal Court
Duterte could be the first former Asian head of state to face charges before the ICC. The surprise arrest by Philippine police at the request of the ICC sparked outrage among his supporters, who described the move as a kidnapping on behalf of a foreign court.
maintaining his policy
Duterte has defended the sweeping drug crackdown and his legal team argues his arrest was unlawful. The ICC insists it has jurisdiction to prosecute alleged crimes committed before Duterte withdrew from the Philippines' founding treaty in 2019.
Growing support despite controversy
Despite the allegations, which also include alleged killings of criminal suspects by a "death squad" in Davao during his term as mayor, analysts have noted that his arrest has only increased support for him and his family both in Davao and beyond.
Political future of the Duterte family
The former president's two sons also appear poised to win positions on Monday, one as a re-elected congressman and the other who will win the race for vice mayor of Davao and will likely serve in his father's absence.
Impeachment process and expectations of the mayor
The family's political resilience and dominance in Davao could be crucial as Duterte's daughter, popular Vice President Sara Duterte, faces impeachment proceedings. If she is convicted, she could be banned from working in politics for life, dashing her hopes of running for president.
Asked Monday about her father's possible victory, she said plans were being made for him to be sworn in as mayor. “ICC lawyers have said once we receive the proclamation papers we will discuss how he can take his oath,” she added.