Rodrigo Duterte Remains Popular Amid Legal Troubles and Election Campaign
Rodrigo Duterte, former president of the Philippines, celebrates his 80th birthday in detention at The Hague. Despite legal troubles, he is set to regain the mayoral position in Davao City with significant electoral support. His family’s political dynasty endures even as controversy over his legacy persists. Local elections and public sentiment reveal stark divisions amidst allegations of political persecution.
A van overloaded with flowers and heaps of birthday cards recently arrived at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, marking the 80th birthday of Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, who is now an inmate there. These surges of affection underscore his lasting popularity despite being accused of crimes against humanity connected to a violent anti-drug campaign that resulted in thousands of deaths. Nicholas Kaufman, Duterte’s lawyer, noted, “The place was inundated with flowers, and I brought some of the mail out because they didn’t know what to do with it.”
As the May 12 midterm elections near, it looks like Duterte is on track to reclaim the position of Davao City mayor. With early unofficial tallies suggesting he’s leading with 63.3 percent of the votes as of 11:30 PM, he is far ahead of competitor Karlo Nograles, who garnered only 7.8 percent. Interestingly, if Duterte is convicted, he could potentially spend the rest of his life in prison, overshadowing his political accomplishments, which include 22 years as mayor prior to his presidency.
Duterte’s extradition to The Hague has spurred division in the Philippines. Polls indicate a majority of Filipinos support the ongoing investigation; however, many of his followers feel that he is facing political persecution, particularly by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who was once an ally of the Duterte family. After Duterte’s arrest, a survey revealed that Marcos’ approval rating dropped from 42 percent to just 25 percent, while his daughter, Vice-President Sara Duterte, saw a rise in her approval from 52 percent to 59 percent.
This election is crucial as half of the Senate is up for grabs, and Sara Duterte is viewed as a possible future presidential candidate. Meanwhile, she faces serious charges including plotting against Marcos and involvement in drug war killings. In Davao City, known as the heart of Duterte’s political legacy, his son Sebastian appears to be on his way to winning the vice-mayorship. It remains uncertain whether Rodrigo Duterte can take his oath while detained.
For the first time, several once-allied political families—Nograleses, Garcias, and Al-ags—are banding together against the Dutertes. Despite this opposition, Bernie Al-ag, a former vice-mayor and now a rival to Sebastian Duterte, expressed his fondness for Rodrigo, saying, “I also look at him as a father figure.”
Mags Maglana, a candidate challenging Paolo Duterte, another of Rodrigo’s sons, voiced her concerns about the effects of Duterte’s popularity on her campaign. She had only secured about 0.3 percent of the votes as of the latest count. Duterte’s team has capitalized on his The Hague predicament as a rallying point, with supporters donning shirts that read “BRING HIM HOME” and at rallies like the May 8 event, where videos of his arrest were broadcast. Sara Duterte remarked, “What’s even more painful is that they managed to kidnap the former president and hurriedly threw him into another country to be tried by foreigners.”
Duterte’s adjustment to life in The Hague has brought its share of challenges. His lawyer Kaufman mentioned that Duterte expressed discomfort with the meals at the detention facility, prompting a request for “culturally appropriate food.” According to Sara, rice is now part of his diet. Moreover, Duterte has some necessities provided by his family, like Coke Zero, although he is only allowed one can daily—which he deems insufficient.
Routine in detention is structured. Duterte meets with Kaufman each morning and has family visits in the afternoon. He also has access to a gym, library books, and a computer to review legal documents, albeit with no internet connectivity. Additionally, Duterte can make calls to pre-approved numbers and watch television to stay connected with the news. Kaufman humorously labeled the facility a “five-star Hilton,” adding, “But it’s still prison.”
The ICC facility where Duterte is held has a history of housing notable figures, including former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo. Kaufman has filed a motion arguing that there is no legal merit to the case against Duterte, as the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute before the ICC commenced the investigation in September 2021, and he is seeking his client’s immediate release. A hearing regarding the confirmation of charges is scheduled for September 23.
In the meantime, Davao City remains loyal. Volunteers have camped outside Duterte’s residence, showing unwavering support. Janice Mahipus, 45, a local vendor, shared her commitment, stating, “We will never get tired waiting for him.”
In conclusion, Rodrigo Duterte’s enduring popularity in the Philippines is underscored by significant electoral support, even as he faces serious legal challenges at the ICC. The upcoming mayoral election in Davao City is shaping up to be a testament to his family’s political dynasty despite the surrounding controversy. While debates around accountability and political persecution continue, Duterte’s supporters remain steadfast, illustrating the complex dynamics of Filipino politics.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
