Detained Ex-President Duterte Runs for Mayor in Philippines Midterms Amid Family Political Stakes

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, currently detained at the International Criminal Court in The Hague awaiting trial for crimes against humanity related to his war on drugs, is running for mayor of Davao City in the upcoming midterm elections. Philippine law allows candidates facing criminal charges, including those in detention, to run for office unless convicted with all appeals exhausted, and Duterte is widely expected to win despite uncertainties about how he would serve from detention. Over 68 million Filipinos are registered to vote for half the Senate, all House seats, and various local positions, with significant attention on the Senate race that could influence the political future of Duterte's daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte. Sara Duterte faces an impeachment trial in July over accusations of plotting to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and corruption, which she denies, and if convicted, she would be removed from office and barred from future public service. Both Dutertes remain influential political figures, with Sara considered a strong contender for the 2028 presidency, making these elections critical in determining the balance of political power between the Duterte family and their rivals. Analysts see the midterms as pivotal in shaping the Philippines' political landscape and the Duterte family's continued influence.