DAVAO CITY, Philippines – In an extraordinary turn of events, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been elected mayor of his longtime stronghold, Davao City, despite being detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.

Preliminary results from the recent midterm elections indicate a landslide victory for Duterte, showcasing his enduring popularity in the southern city. However, his detention on charges of crimes against humanity related to his controversial “war on drugs” has created a unique and complex political situation.

Election in Absentia Raises Legal Questions

Duterte’s victory, achieved while in ICC custody, raises significant legal and logistical challenges. Questions are now circulating regarding how he will be able to fulfill his mayoral duties.

“His ICC lawyers and his Filipino lawyers are discussing how to have him take his oath of office as winner of the mayoral contest here in Davao city,” stated his daughter Sara Duterte, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the situation. It is also being reported that his son, Sebastian Duterte, is set to take the vice mayor position, and is expected to take on the day to day duties of the mayoral office.

Duterte’s Enduring Influence

Despite the legal battles he faces, Duterte’s electoral success underscores his continued political influence in Davao City, where he served as mayor for multiple terms before becoming president. His tough-on-crime stance has earned him a loyal following in the region.

Uncertain Future

The situation remains fluid, with uncertainty surrounding how Duterte will manage his mayoral responsibilities from detention. The nation now watches closely as legal experts and political figures navigate this uncharted territory.