Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte has announced his candidacy for mayor of Davao City in the upcoming midterm elections. Davao is the stronghold of the Duterte family, and Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to run follows a public falling out with the family of President Ferdinand Marcos. Duterte, who launched a controversial drug war during his presidency, stated that he wants to serve the people of Davao and make the city “better than yesterday.” His running mate will be his son Sebastian Duterte, the current mayor of Davao City.
Duterte’s decision to run for mayor is seen as a strategic move to support his daughter Sara Duterte, who is expected to run for president in 2028. The 2025 midterm elections are crucial for both the Duterte and Marcos families as they aim to strengthen their support bases ahead of the next presidential race. Duterte’s daughter Sara, who currently serves as Vice President, is a prominent political figure and her father’s candidacy for mayor is likely to bolster her chances in the 2028 presidential election.
The Duterte family’s stronghold in Davao City, coupled with Rodrigo Duterte’s popularity in the region, makes his candidacy for mayor a significant development in Philippine politics. His decision to run for mayor after serving as president reflects his ongoing influence and presence in the political landscape of the country. By aligning himself with his daughter’s potential presidential bid, Duterte is positioning himself to continue playing a prominent role in the country’s political future.
Duterte’s candidacy for mayor comes at a time of heightened political tensions in the Philippines, with the upcoming elections seen as crucial in shaping the country’s future leadership. The bitter divide between the Duterte and Marcos families adds to the complexity of the political landscape, with both families vying for support in the lead up to the 2028 presidential election. Duterte’s decision to run for mayor is likely to further intensify the competition between the two families as they seek to consolidate their positions of power.
As Rodrigo Duterte prepares to campaign for mayor of Davao City, his presence in the political arena continues to be felt, with implications for the future direction of Philippine politics. His focus on serving the people of Davao and improving the city’s development underscores his commitment to public service and political leadership. With his son Sebastian as his running mate, Duterte is aiming to strengthen his family’s political presence in Davao City and lay the groundwork for his daughter’s potential presidential bid in 2028.
Overall, Duterte’s candidacy for mayor of Davao City in the 2025 midterm elections reflects his continued influence in Philippine politics and sets the stage for future political developments. The competition between the Duterte and Marcos families, as well as the broader political dynamics in the country, highlight the significance of the upcoming elections and the impact they will have on the future leadership of the Philippines. Duterte’s decision to run for mayor signals a continuation of his political legacy and a strategic move to support his daughter’s presidential ambitions in the years to come.
