Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who is detained at The Hague over his drug war that killed thousands, has been elected mayor of his family's stronghold, according to early, partial results. Two of his most loyal aides - long-time assistant Christopher "Bong" Go and Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, the one-time police chief in charge of enforcing his drug war - have been re-elected to the country's senate. But the midterm election, dominated by a spectacular feud between the Duterte and Marcos dynasties, has also thrown up some unexpected results. The fate of Duterte's daughter, Vice-President Sara Duterte, remains in the balance as counting continues. Sara Duterte - who is widely expected to run for president in 2028 - is facing the prospect of a ban from politics should a jury made up of the country's senate vote to impeach her. It meant the midterms - which saw 18,000 seats contested, from local officials to governors and senators - became a proxy war between her supporters and her one-time ally, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. Candidates supporting either dynasty went head-to-head, with Duterte's camp seeking the nine senate votes she needs to avoid impeachment. But an unofficial tally of 68% of the vote suggests it is unclear which way it has gone. Marcos Jr's endorsements appear to not have worked as predicted by opinion polls - only one of his candidates, broadcaster Erwin Tulfo, made the top five in the unofficial count. The rest of the top five was made up of the two Duterte aides and two independents while there is a tight race for the rest of the winning circle of 12. Instead, the seats appear to have gone to independents. The vice-president, meanwhile, remains widely popular despite her political troubles, and the president will be leaving office in 2028. Results so far show the Duterte's have managed to retain their powerbase in the south of the country - just two months after the 80-year-old populist leader was arrested at Manila Airport and flown to the Netherlands on the same day to face the International Criminal Court. It was his arrest - approved by Marcos Jr - which pushed the rivalry between his daughter and the current president to boiling point, a few weeks after the president's allies in the House of Representatives voted to impeach Vice-President Duterte. The older Duterte was widely expected to win as mayor, given the family has held the post since the mid-1980s. Duterte himself led Davao, a sprawling southern metropolis, for two decades before he was elected president in 2016. There, he showcased his drug war that he credited for the city's success, and won him the support of millions far beyond its borders. His youngest son, Sebastian, the incumbent mayor, was elected vice-mayor, meaning he can discharge his father's duties in his absence. Another Duterte son, Paolo, was re-elected as congressman. His grandchildren won local posts. Duterte's name remained on the ballot as he has not been convicted of any crime. He beat the scion of a smaller rival political family. Maintaining a political base in Davao city in the south is crucial for the Dutertes - it is where they get the most voter support. The election was not just a battle between the two families, however. Monday's vote saw long queues under temperatures of 33C (91F) and sporadic reports of violence and vote machines malfunctioning. Like past elections, song-and-dance, showbusiness-style campaigns played out on stage and on social media, underscoring the country's personality and celebrity politics that sometimes overshadow more pressing issues such as corruption, high cost of living and creaking infrastructure.
Duterte elected mayor of home city from Hague prison
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Rodrigo Duterte Elected Mayor of Davao City While Facing Charges in The Hague"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, has been elected mayor of Davao City while detained in The Hague, where he faces charges related to his controversial drug war that resulted in thousands of deaths. Despite his incarceration, initial results indicate significant support for Duterte in his family's political stronghold. Alongside him, two of his closest aides, Christopher "Bong" Go and Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, have secured re-election to the Philippine Senate. The midterm elections have been marked by a fierce rivalry between the Duterte and Marcos dynasties, with the political landscape shifting dramatically as candidates aligned with both factions competed for vital positions. The election outcome is particularly critical for Duterte's daughter, Vice-President Sara Duterte, as she may face impeachment proceedings that could bar her from future political endeavors. The unofficial tally shows a tight race, with 68% of votes counted, leaving the future of key positions uncertain and suggesting a potential shift in political allegiance among voters.
In addition to the electoral battles, the midterm elections saw over 18,000 positions contested, from local officials to senators, and were characterized by long queues and reports of technical issues at polling stations. Despite the challenges, the Duterte family appears to have maintained its political influence in Davao City, where they have held power for decades. Rodrigo Duterte himself previously led the city for 20 years before becoming president. The election results indicate that his youngest son, Sebastian, will serve as vice-mayor, allowing him to fulfill duties in his father's absence, while another son, Paolo, was re-elected as a congressman. The ongoing popularity of the Duterte family, despite the controversies surrounding them, highlights the unique nature of Philippine politics, which often prioritizes celebrity and personality over pressing issues such as economic turmoil and infrastructure challenges. As the counting continues, the implications of these midterm results will shape the political future for both the Duterte and Marcos families in the years leading up to the next presidential election in 2028.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The election news involving Rodrigo Duterte, even from a prison in The Hague, highlights the complex political dynamics in the Philippines. Duterte's continued influence, despite his legal troubles, raises questions about the resilience of political dynasties in the country and the implications for future governance.
Political Implications of Duterte's Election
Despite being detained, Duterte's election as mayor indicates a strong local support base, particularly in his family's stronghold. This suggests that his political brand remains potent among constituents, which may embolden his allies and supporters. The re-election of his aides to the senate further solidifies the Duterte faction's presence in national politics. However, the uncertainty surrounding Vice-President Sara Duterte's political future, especially with the potential for impeachment, suggests a precarious balance of power. The ongoing feud with the Marcos dynasty adds an additional layer of complexity to this political landscape.
Public Sentiment and Perception
The public response to this election could be multifaceted. On one hand, Duterte's supporters may view his election as a reaffirmation of their political choices and loyalty, while opponents may see it as a troubling sign of the persistence of controversial leadership styles. The midterm elections have become a battleground not just for local governance but also for the future direction of the Philippine political system. The electoral outcomes reflect a divided electorate, which could influence future political alignments.
Broader Political Context
This election occurs in a context where political dynasties hold significant sway, raising questions about democratic processes and accountability. The potential impeachment of Sara Duterte serves as a reminder of the fragility of power, even within established political families. As the Marcos administration navigates its relationship with the Duterte faction, the results of this election could signal shifts in alliances and strategies moving forward.
Potential Economic and Social Impact
The political upheaval and ongoing power struggles could create uncertainty in the economic environment. Investors may be wary of political instability, which could affect foreign investment and economic growth. The electoral outcomes may also influence social policies, particularly regarding the controversial drug war initiated by Duterte, which has drawn significant international criticism.
Community Support and Engagement
Duterte's political base primarily consists of communities that resonate with his populist messaging and strongman persona. These groups may feel empowered by his continued presence in politics, despite his legal challenges. Conversely, segments of the population advocating for human rights and accountability may mobilize in response to perceived injustices, creating a polarized societal landscape.
Global and Regional Considerations
While this election primarily concerns domestic politics, it carries implications for international relations. Duterte's past actions have strained ties with various countries, particularly regarding human rights. The outcome of these elections could affect the Philippines' diplomatic posture and its relationships with key global players.
Trustworthiness of the Report
The information in this article appears credible, as it aligns with observed political trends and previous reporting on the Duterte administration. However, the framing may influence public perception, emphasizing loyalty and political resilience while downplaying the controversies surrounding the drug war and human rights issues.
In conclusion, the article serves as a lens into the ongoing complexities of Philippine politics, reflecting both the challenges and the enduring nature of political dynasties. As the landscape continues to evolve, the implications of these elections will be closely monitored.