Duterte’s Mayoral Win Raises Questions Amid ICC Charges

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte won a remarkable mayoral victory on May 12, 2025, in his hometown of Davao City. This comes as a surprise for many, as Duterte is currently in prison awaiting trial for crimes against humanity related to his controversial war on drugs.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has accused the 80-year-old Duterte of overseeing extrajudicial killings that have taken thousands of lives, many of them innocent bystanders. Despite these charges and his detention, his political influence remains strong in Davao.

Legal experts are now faced with a crucial question: Will Duterte be allowed to take his oath of office while imprisoned? His next ICC hearing is scheduled for September, but immediate concerns revolve around how and when he can assume the role of mayor.

Analysts suggest that he might be sworn in by proxy, potentially via video call, though the final decision rests with the ICC. If this does not happen, the duties of mayor could fall to his youngest son, Sebastian Duterte, elected as vice mayor.

Political analyst Ramon Beleno remarked that the seating of Karlo Nograles, Duterte’s election rival, could spark further legal battles, given the historical rivalry between the two political families.

While Duterte sits in a detention center, supporters of the former president continue to rally, insisting that he remains a critical figure for law and order in Davao. Duterte’s legal counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, argues that the recent election results reflect a public counteraction against the government’s mishandling of Duterte’s political legacy.

Justice under Philippine law requires all public officials to take their oaths within 30 days after election results are officially proclaimed. However, without a legal loophole allowing Duterte to take his oath from afar, his role as mayor might remain unresolved.

Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, his daughter, indicated that discussions are underway regarding his oath-taking process, saying they are exploring all options with legal teams.

Overall, while political tensions fester between the Marcos and Duterte families, Duterte’s stronghold remains intact. His supporters eagerly anticipate his return to office, regardless of the looming judicial hurdles.