Mayoral Race of Rodrigo Duterte: Despite ICC Detention
2 min read
MAY 14,2025
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Former President Rodrigo Duterte secured a landslide win in the 2025 Davao City mayoral race, despite being detained by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.
The official city canvass shows Duterte collected 662,630 votes, far ahead of his opponent Atty. Karlo Nograles, who only earned 80,852 votes. Officials proclaimed Duterte as mayor before 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
Mayoral Race of Rodrigo Duterte: Baste Duterte to Act as Mayor
With Duterte in ICC custody, Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte will temporarily assume the mayor’s duties. This setup follows the Local Government Code.
Baste also dominated the vice mayoral race. He got 651,356 votes, beating Bernie Al-Ag, who received 78,893.
Mayoral Race of Rodrigo Duterte: Legal Team Prepares for Oath
Vice President Sara Duterte confirmed they are coordinating with both Philippine and ICC lawyers. The goal is to finalize how her father can take his oath of office.
“We are discussing how he can take his oath as mayor,” she said. “The ICC lawyer said we must complete this between the proclamation and June 30.”
Duterte Clan Sweeps Davao
The Duterte family solidified its grip on Davao’s political landscape in the 2025 midterm elections:
- Paolo “Pulong” Duterte won the 1st congressional district with 203,557 votes. He defeated Margarita “Migs” Nograles, who got 49,186.
- Omar Duterte, Pulong’s son, claimed the 2nd district seat. He tallied 160,432 votes, besting Javi Garcia Campos’ 90,156.
- In the 3rd district, Isidro Ungab, a Duterte ally, was re-elected. He got 178,721 votes over Nonoy Al-Ag’s 30,687.
- Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II, Pulong’s other son, topped the 1st district councilor race with 192,324 votes.
What Lies Ahead for Davao?
Rodrigo Duterte’s return to city hall, despite his ICC detention, shows the Duterte brand remains strong. With multiple family members now in office, the Dutertes continue to dominate Davao politics.
READ MORE: Philippines Midterm Election Results Shake Up Philippines
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