7-10-2024 (MANILA) In a dramatic eleventh-hour move, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has thrown his hat into the ring for the 2025 Davao City mayoral race, with his son, incumbent Mayor Sebastian Duterte, standing as his running mate. This unexpected political manoeuvre, executed just an hour before the deadline for filing certificates of candidacy (COC), has sent shockwaves through the local political landscape.
The elder Duterte, who had previously hinted at his intentions to re-enter local politics, arrived at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Davao District office amidst a throng of fervent supporters. His arrival at Magsaysay Park, where the local Comelec office is situated, was met with palpable excitement from his political base and members of the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, the political party he founded.
Addressing his supporters, the former president declared, “I wish to serve you once more. Davao is better than yesterday.” This sentiment echoes his long-standing commitment to the city he governed for multiple terms before ascending to the presidency in 2016.
The younger Duterte, stepping aside from the mayoral position to support his father’s bid, expressed confidence in the former president’s leadership abilities. “I believe he still has wisdom to impart to the people. His form of governance is very rare and highly effective,” Sebastian Duterte remarked in the local dialect.
This latest political shuffle appears to be part of a broader strategy to consolidate the Duterte family’s influence in Davao City. Paolo Duterte, another of the former president’s sons, is seeking re-election as the city’s first district representative. Meanwhile, Omar Duterte, Sebastian’s son and the current chairman of Barangay Buhangin Proper, is vying for the position of second district representative.
Sebastian Duterte acknowledged that the family’s political lineup had undergone numerous changes in recent days. However, he assured the public that this configuration represents their final decision for the 2025 midterm elections. “Over the past few days, there have been many changes, but this is the final lineup that I believe is good and appropriate,” he stated.
