Will Duterte run in the 2025 Senatorial Election?
RODRIGO DUTERTE – The former president may run for senator in the 2025 midterm elections, according to his ally Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
In a virtual interview, Dela Rosa stated: “Isa ‘yan sa posibilidad na pwedeng mangyari kasi narinig ko na ‘yan sa meeting-meeting namin. Lahat ng mga, halos majority ng aming kasamahan sa partido ay gustong tumakbo si Pangulong Duterte and everyone is excited na tumakbo siya.” He emphasized: “But the final say remains with the Former President.”
Both Duterte and Dela Rosa are members of the PDP-Laban under the leadership of former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi. However, Dela Rosa clarified that Duterte’s potential candidacy might not be to seek protection from possible consequences of investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Dela Rosa and Duterte are respondents in complaints filed with the ICC. “Hindi naman siguro. Hindi naman for protection purposes dahil hindi naman niya kailangan ng proteksyon pa ‘no. Because I’m sure this government, the present government is reasonable enough, the Former President should be protected,” said Dela Rosa, the former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who led the Duterte administration’s anti-drug war.
Meanwhile, Duterte continues to lead as the top senatorial candidate for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections, according to the PAHAYAG survey conducted by Publicus Asia Inc. Based on the survey, Duterte obtained a voting predisposition of 48% and a trust rating of 59%. He was followed by ACT-CIS Representative Erwin Tulfo, who garnered a voting predisposition and trust rating of 44%.
Next in line is Dr. Willie Ong with a 43% voting predisposition and a trust rating of 50%. Reelectionist senators Bong Go, Imee Marcos, and Bato dela Rosa also obtained voting predispositions of 40%, 38%, and 36%, respectively. The survey was conducted from November 29 to December 4, 2023, with 1,500 respondents. The 2025 elections are scheduled to take place on May 12, 2025. The polls will elect a new set of senators (12) and local officials.
