Mon May 12 06:49:59 UTC 2025: ## Duterte Family’s Political Future on the Line in Philippine Midterm Elections

**Manila, Philippines** – The Philippines held crucial midterm elections on May 12, 2025, with the future of the Duterte family’s political dominance hanging in the balance. Former President Rodrigo Duterte, currently detained in The Hague awaiting trial for crimes against humanity, is running for mayor of Davao City, a position he previously held for over two decades. Despite his imprisonment, Philippine law allows him to run unless convicted and appeals exhausted. His victory is widely anticipated, though his ability to govern from prison remains unclear.

The elections encompass nearly 18,000 national and local positions, including half the Senate, the entire House of Representatives, and numerous provincial and municipal posts. A key race involves Vice President Sara Duterte, Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter, who faces a Senate impeachment trial in July on charges of attempted assassination and corruption. A conviction would bar her from future office and significantly impact the family’s political power. She is considered a strong contender for the 2028 presidential race.

Other Duterte family members are also contesting elections, including Sebastian Duterte (running for Vice-Mayor of Davao), Paolo Duterte (seeking reelection to the House of Representatives), and two grandsons in local races.

Political analysts highlight the significance of these midterms, stating the outcome will largely determine which faction dominates the 2028 elections. The fractured relationship between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte, stemming from political disagreements and competing ambitions, has further fueled the stakes. Sara Duterte herself framed the elections as a choice between continued reforms or national decline.

Even Rodrigo Duterte’s spiritual advisor, televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, who is detained on sexual abuse and human trafficking charges, is running for a Senate seat.

Initial reports suggest a high voter turnout, though some voters experienced difficulties like missing names from voter lists and long queues. Many voters expressed concerns about unfulfilled promises from the Marcos-Duterte administration that won in 2022, emphasizing the need for leaders with integrity and a focus on combating corruption.

Read More