Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, has announced his intention to run for mayor of Davao City in the upcoming local elections, a position he held for over two decades before becoming president in 2016. Despite his controversial legacy, particularly his brutal war on drugs, Duterte’s decision to return to local politics reflects his enduring popularity in Davao, where he is credited with reducing crime and fostering development during his tenure as mayor.
Duterte’s return to Davao politics raises significant questions about his political future and how his national legacy will impact his chances in the local race. Although his presidency was marked by international condemnation for human rights violations and thousands of extrajudicial killings, Duterte remains a formidable figure in Philippine politics, especially in his hometown.
A Return to Familiar Territory
Duterte’s political career is deeply tied to Davao City, where he served as mayor for over 22 years across multiple terms. During his time as mayor, Duterte earned a reputation for being a tough, law-and-order leader who implemented strict policies to reduce crime, including cracking down on illegal drugs. His leadership in Davao laid the foundation for his successful presidential campaign in 2016, where he promised to bring the same tough stance on crime to the national stage.
Now, after completing his term as president, Duterte is returning to Davao, where his political roots run deep. Many of his supporters in the city view him as a local hero who transformed Davao from a crime-ridden city into a safer and more prosperous place. His candidacy for mayor is expected to draw significant support from residents who credit him with the city’s development and security.
Controversial Legacy: The War on Drugs
While Duterte’s political career has been marked by achievements in Davao, his presidency is more often remembered for his violent and controversial war on drugs. The anti-drug campaign, launched shortly after he took office in 2016, resulted in the deaths of thousands of suspected drug users and dealers. Human rights organizations, both domestic and international, have condemned the campaign, accusing Duterte’s administration of carrying out extrajudicial killings, targeting the poor, and violating due process.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has opened an investigation into the alleged human rights abuses committed during Duterte’s war on drugs. Although the Philippines withdrew from the ICC under Duterte’s presidency, the investigation continues to cast a shadow over his legacy. Duterte, however, has consistently defended the campaign, insisting that it was necessary to rid the country of the drug menace and ensure public safety.
Despite these controversies, Duterte retains a strong base of support in many parts of the country, particularly in Davao. Many of his supporters argue that the drug war, while harsh, was effective in reducing crime and drug-related violence.
Local Support and Popularity
Duterte’s decision to run for mayor comes as little surprise to those familiar with his political career. Even during his presidency, he maintained a close connection to Davao City, often returning to his hometown and keeping a visible presence in local affairs. His daughter, Sara Duterte, served as the city’s mayor during his presidency and has since risen to national prominence, currently serving as vice president of the Philippines.
In Davao, Duterte remains a dominant figure, and his influence over local politics is undeniable. His previous tenure as mayor saw the city’s economy grow, infrastructure improve, and crime rates decrease, making him a popular figure among many residents. As such, his candidacy is likely to draw considerable support from those who benefited from his earlier terms.
Challenges and Criticism
However, Duterte’s return to local politics is not without its challenges. While he enjoys significant support in Davao, his legacy as president remains highly polarizing. Human rights advocates and political opponents continue to criticize his war on drugs and the broader authoritarian tendencies of his administration. Some local politicians and activists in Davao have expressed concern about his return, fearing that his mayoral run could reinforce a culture of impunity in the city.
Moreover, Duterte’s potential involvement in the ICC’s investigation could pose legal and reputational risks. Although he no longer holds national office, the international scrutiny surrounding his drug war could impact his mayoral campaign and future political ambitions. His critics argue that his return to politics may be a strategy to protect himself from accountability, both domestically and internationally.
The Duterte Political Dynasty
Duterte’s mayoral run also highlights the continuation of the Duterte political dynasty in the Philippines. His daughter, Sara Duterte, is currently the second-highest official in the country as vice president, having been elected in 2022. Sara Duterte, like her father, has cultivated an image as a strong leader with a no-nonsense approach to governance, and she is seen as a potential presidential contender in future elections.
The Duterte family’s stronghold in Davao has allowed them to wield significant influence over local and national politics for decades. If Rodrigo Duterte wins the mayoral race, it would further cement the Duterte dynasty’s grip on power in the city, and by extension, its political influence in the Philippines.
Conclusion
Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to run for mayor of Davao City marks a significant chapter in his long and storied political career. Despite the controversies surrounding his presidency, particularly his violent war on drugs, Duterte remains a popular figure in his hometown, where many credit him with transforming Davao into a safer and more prosperous city.
As the campaign unfolds, Duterte’s candidacy will test how much his national legacy impacts his local political prospects. His return to local politics also signals the continuation of the Duterte political dynasty, with his influence set to remain a major factor in Philippine politics. However, questions about his human rights record and the ongoing ICC investigation could complicate his path forward as he seeks to reclaim the office where his political journey began.
