Duterte runs for mayor while detained in The Hague

In the Philippines, the midterm elections were marked by the candidacy of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who has been detained in The Hague since March awaiting trial for crimes against humanity stemming from his controversial drug war from 2016 to 2022. Despite his detention, Duterte is running for mayor of Davao City, a position he held for over two decades before his presidency. His return to politics poses questions about how he would govern from behind bars, yet he remains a favored candidate. The upcoming elections have significant implications for Duterte's family, especially for his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, who faces an impeachment trial in the Senate over serious accusations, including complicity in assassination plots against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and misuse of intelligence funds in her office. If convicted, Sara could be removed from office, which would limit her future political aspirations, including a potential run for the presidency in 2028. With the elections also determining half of the 24-member Senate and all 317 seats in the House of Representatives, the outcomes could influence the political landscape for years to come. Analyzing the situation, experts suggest that the midterm elections are crucial not just for the Duterte family but for the nation's political balance. Former political alliances have frayed, particularly between the Marcos and Duterte factions, raising questions about future governance and power dynamics in the country. The strained relationship was highlighted by a recent rally where Sara Duterte rallied supporters against the Marcos administration, indicating a robust sentiment amongst her family supporters. As over 68 million Filipinos prepared to cast their votes, the overarching narrative centered on whether the Duterte family could maintain their grip on power or see their political influence severely diminished depending on the election results. The elections, therefore, represent a critical turning point for both the Duterte family and the Philippines as a whole, as the electorate weighs their choices amidst allegations of corruption and criminality connected with the Duterte administration’s controversial drug policies.