Duterte Secures Mayoral Victory Amid Hague Detention
DAVAO CITY — Even while detained in The Hague, Netherlands, former President Rodrigo Duterte achieved a decisive win in the 2025 midterm elections, securing another term as mayor of Davao City. This unexpected triumph highlights the enduring political influence of the Duterte family in their hometown.
According to the official city canvass, Duterte received 662,630 votes, overwhelmingly outpacing his closest rival, Atty. Karlo Nograles, who garnered only 80,852 votes. He was officially proclaimed the winning mayor before 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
The Duterte Family Dominates Local Elections
Vice Mayor Race Leads to Acting Mayor Role
Meanwhile, Duterte’s son Sebastian “Baste” Duterte claimed a strong lead in the vice mayoral contest, obtaining 651,356 votes. His nearest competitor, Bernie Al-Ag, trailed significantly with 78,893 votes. Because Rodrigo Duterte is currently detained by the International Criminal Court (ICC), he will serve as an absentee mayor. Consequently, Baste Duterte, as vice mayor, will act on his father’s behalf and carry out mayoral duties under the Local Government Code.
Political Stronghold Extends to Congressional Seats
In the congressional elections, Paolo “Pulong” Duterte also secured a convincing victory as the 1st district representative, earning 203,557 votes against incumbent House Deputy Majority Leader Margarita “Migs” Nograles’ 49,186 votes. Rodrigo Duterte’s eldest grandson, Omar Duterte, won the 2nd district seat with 160,432 votes, poised to join his father in the House of Representatives. Meanwhile, in the 3rd district, Isidro Ungab, a Duterte ally, is set to be re-elected with 178,721 votes, far ahead of rival Nonoy Al-Ag’s 30,687 votes. Additionally, Pulong’s other son, Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II, topped the councilor race in Davao City’s 1st district with 192,324 votes.
Legal Challenges and Oath-Taking Plans
Rodrigo Duterte’s detention stems from his arrest in the Philippines on March 11, following an ICC-issued warrant for alleged crimes against humanity related to his anti-drug campaign. He is currently held at Scheveningen Prison in The Hague.
His daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, confirmed that lawyers are coordinating efforts on how he can take his oath of office if he wins the mayoral race. “‘Yun ay pinag-uusapan namin ng kanyang ICC lawyer at ng kanyang Philippine lawyer kung paano siya maka-oath as a winner ng mayoral contest dito sa Davao City,” she said.
She further explained, “Sabi ng lawyer doon sa ICC, once we get the proclamation papers, pag-uusapan namin ulit kung paano makapag-oath si dating Pangulo Rodrigo Duterte. We have until the day after proclamation until… noon of June 30 para siya maka-oath.”
Continuing Duterte Political Influence in Davao City
The Duterte family’s overwhelming success in the 2025 midterm elections confirms their stronghold in Davao City politics. Despite the unusual circumstance of the former president’s detention abroad, the voters clearly chose continuity in leadership. With Rodrigo Duterte as absentee mayor and his son Baste stepping in as acting mayor, the family’s political legacy remains firmly intact.
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