Philippine election: why Davao re-elected Rodrigo Duterte as mayor despite his ICC trial
Residents in the
Philippine city of Davao have signalled their continued loyalty to former president
Rodrigo Duterte by voting him back in as mayor of his southern stronghold – even as he faces trial for crimes against humanity at The Hague.
Duterte, who is detained at the
International Criminal Court in the Netherlands over his bloody war on drugs, will govern from his prison cell if proclaimed the winner.
As of 8am on Tuesday, the ex-president had 537,885 votes, according to partial and unofficial results from over 80 per cent of election returns, aggregated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). His main rival, Karlo Nograles, was trailing far behind with only 64,886 votes.
If confirmed, this will mark Duterte's eighth term as mayor of Davao, a city he led for over two decades before becoming president in 2016. The Duterte clan's grip on Davao was further cemented by the victory of Duterte's son, Sebastian 'Baste' Duterte, who garnered 528,697 votes in the vice-mayor race. His closest contender, Bernie Al-Ag, managed only 63,353 votes.
Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio, Duterte's daughter, outlined three possible ways for him to take his oath as mayor, emphasising that he would 'definitely' serve in absentia.
Rodrigo Duterte supporters celebrate his 80th birthday in Davao City, Philippines. Photo: Jeoffrey Maitem
Speaking after casting her vote on Monday, she said that whoever won the vice mayor position would be designated as acting mayor and take up her father's duties.
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