Philippines Election 2025: Dutertes stage a fierce comeback amid legal troubles after winning as Davao Mayor

In the Philippines Election 2025, voters came out in the millions, braving the heat to choose over 18,000 leaders. And once again, the Dutertes showed that they’re still a powerful force, despite serious legal troubles and a dramatic arrest. The Duterte family has proven they’re not stepping out of politics just yet.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte, now 80 years old and currently in jail at The Hague for alleged crimes during his war on drugs, was elected mayor of Davao City. His youngest son, Sebastian, won as vice mayor in the Philippines Election 2025. While Rodrigo can’t do the job from behind bars, Sebastian is expected to take over the duties.

Meanwhile, their allies also had big wins in the Senate. Senator Bong Go, Rodrigo’s former assistant, got the highest number of votes. Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who used to be the police chief during the drug war, also made it to the top three in the Philippines Election 2025. Both of them, like Rodrigo, may also face charges from the International Criminal Court. A close supporter of Sara Duterte, Rodante Marcoleta, also won a Senate seat and has promised to defend her in her upcoming trial in the Philippines Election 2025.

Vice President Sara Duterte was impeached earlier this year and could lose her position if the Senate finds her guilty. But after the election, she sent out a message saying, “This is not the end. It’s a new beginning.” She promised to keep fighting the Marcos government and to speak up for the issues she believes in.

Some people thought the Dutertes were finished after Rodrigo’s arrest and Sara’s impeachment. But the election results say otherwise. Many Filipinos still support them, especially in the south, where they’ve held power for years. Political experts say the family used public anger and social media to build support again, especially after they were seen as victims of politics.

President Bongbong Marcos, who used to work with the Dutertes, is now in a tough spot. His popularity is dropping because of rising prices and public complaints. Even his own sister, Senator Imee Marcos, is now siding with the Dutertes.

For people like Emily Soriano, who lost her 15-year-old son during Duterte’s drug war, the results are painful. “Since 2017 up until today, we’ve long called for an end to the killings, and for Duterte and the policemen to be held to account,” Soriano said, tearfully. “That call hasn’t gone to waste,” she added.

The Senate will soon decide Sara Duterte’s future. If she’s removed, she won’t be able to run in 2028. But many Filipinos still see her as a top pick to be the next president.

Image: PCO