Mon May 19 09:50:00 UTC 2025: **Duterte’s Davao Victory Throws Philippines into Legal Quagmire**

**DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES** – Despite facing charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte secured a landslide mayoral victory in his hometown of Davao City in the recent midterm elections. The win, while predictable given the Duterte family’s long-standing political dominance in the region, presents a complex legal dilemma for the Philippines.

Duterte, 80, is accused by the ICC of orchestrating a brutal war on drugs during his presidency, resulting in the deaths of thousands. While he denies the accusations, the ICC is set to hold a hearing in September. Before then, legal experts say a complicated legal battle between the ICC and Philippine jurisdiction over whether he will be allowed to take the oath of office is expected.

Philippine law requires elected officials to take their oath within 30 days of assuming office on July 1. Experts say that if the ICC allows it, Duterte could potentially be sworn in remotely, but questions remain about his ability to effectively govern Davao City from a detention center in another country. Day-to-day duties could fall to his son, Sebastian Duterte, the vice mayor-elect. If Duterte is barred from taking office, the mayorship could fall to Karlo Nograles, a member of a rival political dynasty, potentially triggering further legal challenges.

Duterte’s victory is seen by some as a final tribute to the former leader. His lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, claims the election results demonstrate public rejection of attempts to dismantle Duterte’s legacy. All five Duterte family members who ran in this election secured victories, signaling the enduring influence of the Duterte name in Davao.

The situation is further complicated by the ongoing political tensions between Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with the election results yielding a three-way stalemate between candidates aligned with Marcos, Duterte, and liberal factions. Observers suggest the Filipino public is growing weary of the infighting, but for now, Duterte’s stronghold remains intact, and his supporters eagerly await his return.

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