Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines known for his controversial policies and rhetoric, is running for re-election as mayor of Davao City. His bid comes as he attempts to strengthen his political dynasty in the wake of a long-standing abuse of power and current familial tensions.
Duterte, often referred to as “Asia’s Trump” due to his unorthodox leadership style, is looking for a political comeback in a scenario potentially even more complicated than Donald Trump’s return to the White House. At 79 years old, Duterte aims to reclaim his position in a city where he previously held power for over two decades prior to his presidential term from 2016 to 2022.
This political move is not solely about personal ambition, analysts suggest, but reflects a desire to bolster support for his family as they navigate challenges posed by the Marcos dynasty, which has opposing views on foreign relations, especially regarding ties with the United States and China.
The alliance between the Marcoses and the Dutertes formed when Duterte’s daughter, Sara Duterte-Carpio, ran for vice president alongside Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son of the former dictator. Their partnership resulted in a landslide victory in 2022, but tensions have surfaced, particularly following allegations of corruption against Duterte-Carpio.
The fallout between the two clans has devolved into public disputes, reminiscent of Duterte’s confrontational style. Richard Heydarian, a political analyst, remarked that the Duterte family is “at their most vulnerable moment in almost a decade.”
Duterte’s tenure has been marred by allegations of extrajudicial killings, most notably during his war on drugs, which has resulted in thousands of deaths and prompted investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Recently, he publicly acknowledged hiring a “death squad” when he was mayor, admitting to taking extreme measures against criminals.
Amid accusations against his daughter for financial mismanagement, Duterte’s decision to run for mayor appears aimed at maintaining political relevance and supporting his sons, who are also contesting local elections.
The rivalry with the Nograles family, a longstanding political opponent in their city, poses a significant challenge. Karlo Nograles, a member of the Nograles clan, is running for mayor against Duterte, promising “real, meaningful and lasting change.” His sister, Margarita, is also challenging Paolo Duterte, further intensifying the political clash.
Analysts note that a loss for the Dutertes in Davao would signal significant declines in their political influence. Amid these challenges, Duterte has portrayed himself as a stabilizing force, assuring voters that supporting him equates to choosing order.
The complex political landscape in Davao, where traditional familial alliances and rivalries shape governance, continues to evolve as the new election cycle approaches, with the potential for significant implications on the future of the Duterte political dynasty.
Credit: CNN
