Former President Rodrigo Duterte Eyes Mayoral Comeback
RODRIGO DUTERTE – Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has decided to run again for mayor in Davao City.
Duterte has announced his intention to run for public office again, but this time on a more local level. Duterte, who served as president from 2016 to 2022, now plans to return to his previous post as mayor of Davao City, a position he held for over two decades before ascending to the presidency.
This comes despite previous speculations about him possibly running for a Senate seat in the 2025 midterm elections.
Duterte also mentioned that he might run alongside his son, Sebastian Duterte, the current mayor of Davao City. While many expected the elder Duterte to pursue a national political role, he has dismissed the idea, citing his age as a primary factor. He expressed that a national campaign, such as a senatorial bid, would be too taxing at his current stage in life.
His daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, had previously hinted at the possibility of a family-run for Senate seats, with Duterte, Sebastian, and Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte as potential candidates. However, Duterte has clarified that this was merely a joke on Sara’s part, downplaying any serious plans for a Senate run. “Anong gagawin namin sa Senate…Anong gagawin namin doon?” he remarked dismissively.
According to the report, the former president also admitted that he no longer has the resources or the political capital to reenter national politics, stating that his political career is behind him. “Hindi na ako babalik ng politika. Tapos na po ako. Laos na ako. Wala na akong panggastos, wala na lahat. Ang naiwan sa akin siguro yabang,” Duterte said in a candid admission.
For Duterte, returning to the local stage as mayor of Davao City seems to be the most practical political move, signaling a shift away from the national spotlight and a desire to focus on the city he has long governed.