THE 2025 National and Local Elections have solidified the Duterte family’s political resilience, with key victories across Davao City and the Senate, despite the former president’s detention at The Hague and Vice President Sara Duterte’s looming impeachment trial.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte and his son, Sebastian, secured landslide victories in the Davao City mayoral and vice-mayoral races, respectively, reaffirming their long-standing political dominance in the region.
This outcome comes despite Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest and transfer to The Hague in March, where he faces charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity.
Due to his detention, vice mayor-elect Sebastian Duterte is expected to assume mayoral duties.
Meanwhile, in the Senate, key Duterte allies, including Christopher Go and Ronald dela Rosa, won re-election.
Go, Duterte’s former aide, topped the senatorial race, while dela Rosa, the former national police chief during the height of Duterte’s controversial drug war, secured the third-highest number of votes.
Both senators have been staunch defenders of the drug war and also face potential ICC scrutiny.
Another Duterte ally from the House, Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, also won a Senate seat, having previously pledged to defend Vice President Duterte against impeachment.
Speaking to Atty Harry Roque, Bong Duterte, commenting on Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment concerns, suggested the opposition would likely recognize the strong support for the vice president.
“I think the opposition will think it’s about time we cannot go that way. So there’s a big chance the support for VP Sara.”
He also noted that his brother [Rodrigo] was pleased to hear that all congressmen who faced him in the quad committee “walang lumusot” (none slipped through).
Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, who herself faces impeachment proceedings in the Senate following accusations passed by the House in February, framed the election results as the “start of an opposition movement” against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s government.
“This is not the end,” she said in a statement after the elections. “It’s a renewed beginning. We will continue to hold the government accountable, advocate for the issues that matter, and work tirelessly to serve as a strong and constructive opposition.”
Moreover, Political analysts suggest the midterm results demonstrate the enduring influence of the Duterte family, defying earlier predictions that Rodrigo Duterte’s legal troubles would mark the dynasty’s decline.
The solid victories of family members and allies in key positions appear to have created a political buffer, potentially safeguarding Vice President Duterte against impeachment in the Senate.
Meanwhile, the intensifying rivalry between the Dutertes and the Marcoses, marked by public criticisms and differing policy stances, may have contributed to a shift in the political landscape.
The Marcos administration’s apparent decreased willingness to shield the once-allied Duterte family has coincided with this reassertion of Duterte influence through the ballot box.
While the future remains uncertain, the 2025 midterm elections have undeniably showcased the Duterte family’s persistent and powerful hold on a significant segment of the Philippine electorate.
