Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has officially registered to run for mayor of Davao City, a stronghold of his political family, in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.

Duterte, who led the country from 2016 to 2022 and is known for his controversial anti-drug campaign, made this move amid tensions with the family of current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as they gear up for the 2028 presidential race.

PHOTO | COURTESY Rodrigo Duterte

Duterte, now 79, submitted his candidacy papers in Davao, where he served as mayor for over two decades.

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His son, Sebastian Duterte, the current mayor, will serve as his running mate. Duterte promised to make Davao "better than yesterday," further consolidating the family's regional influence.

Political analysts see this candidacy as a strategic move to build support for his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, who is widely expected to run for president in 2028.

PHOTO | COURTESY Rodrigo Duterte

With the Duterte and Marcos families vying for dominance, the 2025 midterm elections are a crucial battleground to strengthen their political footholds.

Former Duterte spokesman Harry Roque emphasized the importance of protecting one's political base, particularly given the high stakes in the 2028 presidential elections.

PHOTO | COURTESY Rodrigo Duterte

Meanwhile, Duterte remains under investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged human rights violations during his war on drugs, which resulted in over 6,000 deaths, according to official data. However, ICC estimates range as high as 30,000.

In addition, Sara Duterte faces impeachment threats in the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Martin Romualdez, a cousin of President Marcos and another potential contender for the 2028 presidency.