Duterte back as Davao mayor; family solidifies power

Davao City, Philippines - Detained former President Rodrigo Duterte was proclaimed as Davao City mayor-elect on Tuesday, May 13, reclaiming the position he held for years.

Duterte obtained 662,630 votes, while his closest rival and former Cabinet secretary, Karlo Nograles, was with a far 80,852 votes.

Vice President Sara Duterte said in a chance interview on Monday she is discussing with her father’s lawyers about how the president can take his oath should he be proclaimed winner.

Duterte has been detained at a facility of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands over charges of crimes against humanity for murder in his bloody drug war.

Duterte was Davao City mayor for a number of years before becoming president in 2016.

Meanwhile, Duterte’s son, Davao 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, also won by a wide margin against his closest rival, PBA party-list Rep. Migs Nograles. He obtained 203,557 votes, more than half of the numbers of his four opponents combined.

Paolo’s son, Omar, was also proclaimed second district representative with 160,432 votes.

His other son, Rodrigo “Rigo” II, topped the councilor race in the first district, with 192,324 votes.

In a chance interview, the former president’s grandson said he will push for health reforms.

Rigo also said he is ready to take the challenge in case he is sworn as acting vice mayor, if Baste fills in for his grandfather detained in the Netherlands.

“Depende na sa kasi sa mga tao e…sa mga taga-Davao kung gusto nila kami pa rin, ang pamilya namin, patuloy pa rin kami,” he said when asked about his thoughts on political dynasty.

[Translation: It depends on Davaoeño voters if they still want our family. If they like us, then our family will continue (to serve).]