Detained ex-President Duterte is among the candidates in Philippines midterms
The Hindu
Former President Duterte runs for office while detained, as Filipinos vote in crucial midterm elections with family's political future at stake.
Even though he is detained in The Hague, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is among the candidates vying for some 18,000 national and local seats in Monday's (May 12, 2025) midterm elections that analysts say will decide if he and his family continue to hold political power.
Mr. Rodrigo Duterte has been in custody of the International Criminal Court since March, awaiting trial for crimes against humanity over a brutal war on illegal drugs that has left thousands of suspects dead during his Presidency 2016-2022. It hasn't stopped him from running for mayor of his southern Davao city stronghold.
Under Philippine law, candidates facing criminal charges, including those in detention, can run for office unless they have been convicted and have exhausted all appeals.
Mr. Rodrigo Duterte is widely expected to win as Davao Mayor, a position he held for over two decades before becoming President. It's less clear how he can practically serve as Mayor from behind bars.
Over 68 million Filipinos have registered to vote Monday (May 12, 2025) for half of the 24-member Senate, all the 317 seats in the House of Representatives and various positions in provinces, cities and municipalities. The spotlight is on the race for the Senate that could determine the political future of Mr. Rodrigo Duterte's daughter, Vice-President Sara Duterte.
She faces an impeachment trial in the Senate in July over accusations of plotting to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and corruption involving her office’s intelligence funds. She has denied the allegations, saying they were spread by her political opponents to destroy her.
Ms. Sara Duterte is considered a strong contender for the 2028 Presidential race. But if convicted by the Senate, she will be removed as Vice-President and disqualified from holding public office. To be acquitted, she needs at least nine of 24 Senators to vote in her favor.
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