Duterte family secures significant positions in Davao City's election proceedings
In the local elections of 2025, Davao City saw a resurgence of the Duterte dynasty, with several family members bagging key positions. The election results, announced on May 13, confirmed that the Dutertes would be taking charge in various crucial posts within the city.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte secured a triumphant victory in his bid to return as mayor of Davao City, earning 662,630 votes. His closest contenders, Karlo Nograles, son of his political nemesis Prospero Nograles, managed only 80,852 votes, while Bishop Rod Cubos wound up with 7,757.
Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, Rodrigo Duterte's son, clinched the position of vice mayor, garnering 651,356 votes. The competition was relatively slim, with Bernie Al-ag receiving 78,893 votes, and Oyie Barcena, managing just 5,219.
Paolo "Pulong" Duterte, another son of Rodrigo Duterte, won the first district representative race with 203,557 votes, swaying public opinion decisively against Atty. Margarita "Migs" Nograles, who only mustered 49,186 votes, and Mags Maglana with 3,530.
Interestingly, Rodrigo Duterte II, son of Pulong and grandson of Rodrigo Duterte, emerged as the top councilor in all three districts, amassing 1,192,324 votes. Following closely were Melchor Quitain (175,474 votes), Atty. Luna Acosta (165,173 votes), Cookie Bonguyan (153,308 votes), and a slew of other candidates.
Meanwhile, in the second district, Omar Duterte, a brother of Duterte II, gained 160,432 votes, ousting Javi Garcia Campos, the nephew of the long-time Garcia politicians in Davao City, who managed 90,156 votes. The newly proclaimed councilors of the second district include Atty. Diosdado Mahipus, Ralph Abella, Louie John Bonguyan, Che Che Justol, Al Ryan Alejandre, Danny Dayanghirang, Nonong Cabling, and Doce Apostol.
The newly proclaimed third district representative, Isidro Ungab, will be serving his last term now, having clinched the position with 178,721 votes. Wilberto "Nonoy" Al-ag and Ruy Elias Lopez followed with 30,687 votes and 19,243 votes, respectively. The newly proclaimed councilors of the third district are Alberto Ungab, Doc Enzo Villafuerte, Atty. Bai Hundra Cassandra Advincula, Petite Principe, Rachel Zozobrado, Doc Potpot Villafuerte, Jopet Baluran, and Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz.
Notably, Sebastian and Pulong Duterte were noticeably absent during their proclamation. In an interview, their family representative stated that they had been tasked to represent their father and uncle. Sebastian, acknowledging his role, mentioned, "I'll walk in my father's footsteps. I'm ready. It's a bit nerve-wracking," he said. Rodrigo Duterte II, the top councilor in all three districts, indicated his commitment to prioritizing healthcare, an area his father neglected previously, as Duterte's focus was on safety and security.
As his father was proclaimed the mayor, Veronica "Kitty" Duterte, the daughter of Rodrigo Duterte, expressed her pride and gratitude on Facebook. She stated, "So proud of Tatay Digong for winning Davao City mayor! Thank you, Dabawenyos, for the love and support!" Despite the ongoing trial for alleged crimes against humanity, Rodrigo Duterte remains a powerful figure in Davao City politics.
- The election results confirmed that health, a potential priority, could be a focus for Rodrigo Duterte II, who emerged as the top councilor with a significant vote count in all three districts.
- In the midst of the local elections, war-and-conflicts, such as the ongoing trial for alleged crimes against humanity, did not seem to mar the political power of Rodrigo Duterte in Davao City.
- The resurgence of the Duterte dynasty in the 2025 elections, as seen in Davao City, is set to influence various aspects of general news, such as politics, health, and local governance, with its members holding key positions in the city.
