Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has secured a landslide victory in the Davao City mayoral election, despite currently being detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague on charges of murder as a crime against humanity.
With 80% of votes counted in an unofficial tally, Duterte was leading the race by a massive margin—garnering eight times more votes than his closest competitor.
His overwhelming win underscores his enduring popularity in his hometown, where his tough-on-crime image has long earned him admiration and nicknames like “Duterte Harry” and “The Punisher.”
Duterte was arrested in March at the ICC`s request over his bloody anti-drug campaign that left thousands dead.
While critics condemn the campaign as brutal, many of his supporters view it as a necessary crackdown on crime. His surprise arrest sparked outrage in the Philippines, with loyalists labeling it a “foreign-instigated kidnapping.”
Despite the serious charges and international detention, Duterte`s political clout remains undiminished. Social media platforms, including his old Facebook account, have been flooded with messages of congratulations, with supporters calling for his return to serve the people of Davao.
His family’s political grip on the city remains strong as well—his two sons also won key local races, one as congressman and the other as vice mayor, likely stepping in to fulfill mayoral duties during his absence.
Analysts say Duterte’s arrest may have only intensified his support base, particularly in Davao, where his legacy as a no-nonsense enforcer of law and order still resonates.
His victory also comes at a critical time, as his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, faces an impeachment trial that could threaten her political future.
