Detained Duterte Seeks Political Relevance in Philippines’ Midterm Elections

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, currently detained in The Hague, is running for mayor of Davao City in the midterm elections. His daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, faces an impeachment trial that could impact her political future. Over 68 million Filipinos are voting for various positions. The results may determine the family’s continued influence in politics as they navigate legal and electoral challenges.

In a surprising political twist in the Philippines, former President Rodrigo Duterte, now detained, is still in the running for various positions in the upcoming midterm elections. Despite his incarceration in The Hague since March for alleged crimes against humanity, Duterte is set to contest the mayoral seat of Davao City, his long-time political stronghold. Under Philippines law, candidates can run for office even if they face criminal charges, as long as they have not yet been convicted.

Duterte’s anticipated popularity in Davao could secure him a victory, but questions remain about how he could effectively lead from behind bars. The elections will see over 68 million registered Filipinos voting for half of the Senate, all 317 House of Representatives seats, and numerous local offices. A focal point exists on Vice President Sara Duterte, who is facing an impeachment trial that could shape not just her future, but that of her family’s political dynasty.

Sara Duterte is currently under scrutiny in the Senate and could be removed from office if found guilty of plotting against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. alongside corruption accusations. She maintains that these allegations are politically motivated and aimed at discrediting her. This trial will precede the next presidential election in 2028, where many see her as a frontrunner, but without a favorable outcome in the impeachment, her political career could be at risk.

Political analysts believe the results of this election will set a crucial precedent for the power dynamics looking ahead to 2028. Maria Ela Atienza, a political science academic at the University of the Philippines, remarked on the significance, stating that these elections will determine which family or faction might dominate in the future. It is suggested that a conviction for Sara would mark a turning point for the Duterte family’s influence over Philippine politics.

Duterte’s inner circle is also participating; his youngest son, Sebastian, seeks to move from incumbent mayor to vice mayor, while his eldest son, Paolo, hopes to retain his position in Congress. Two of Duterte’s grandsons are vying for local roles, further entrenching the family’s political ambitions.

Complicating matters, Duterte’s close ally, Apollo Quiboloy, a televangelist, is also running for a Senate seat despite facing serious legal issues, including charges in both the Philippines and the United States concerning sexual abuse and human trafficking. This paints a rather messy and controversial picture of the election landscape.

As the campaigning heats up, Sara Duterte has made strong statements regarding the impact of these elections. She passionately declared that voter decisions would determine whether the country continues to advance or descends into turmoil. With the political stakes raised high, it remains to be seen how the complex interplay of legal battles and family loyalty will affect these midterm elections.

The fate of the Duterte family’s political legacy hangs in the balance as former President Rodrigo Duterte and his family partake in the imminent midterm elections while grappling with serious legal challenges. The outcome of these elections will influence not only local governance, particularly in Davao City where Duterte seeks to regain a mayoral seat, but also potentially reshape the political landscape for the future, especially for Vice President Sara Duterte amid her impeachment trial. The political dynamics are poised for significant changes as millions head to the polls.

Original Source: www.newsday.com