In a surprising political move, former President Rodrigo Duterte arrived at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) office in Davao City on Monday afternoon to officially file his certificate of candidacy (COC) for the mayoral post of the city. The announcement marks Duterte’s return to local politics, following his six-year term as President of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022.
Duterte, who served as mayor of Davao City for over two decades before his presidency, arrived at the COMELEC office in a low-key manner, accompanied by close family members and a small group of supporters. His decision to seek the mayoral post has caught political analysts and the public by surprise, considering his previous statements expressing a desire to retire from politics after his presidency.
The 79-year-old former president is widely known for his hardline stance on law and order, and it was during his tenure as mayor that Davao City earned a reputation for being one of the safest cities in the country. His administration as president, however, was marked by controversy, particularly his war on drugs, which drew widespread international criticism for alleged human rights violations.
Duterte’s return to local politics has sparked mixed reactions. While many Davaoeños see his candidacy as a continuation of his long-standing legacy in the city, others are concerned about the implications of his return to power. Some have questioned whether this move might signal a potential influence on national politics, considering his enduring popularity among certain segments of the population.
As the filing of candidacies continues, Duterte’s political comeback is expected to draw attention in the upcoming 2025 elections, with analysts closely monitoring whether this move will affect the dynamics of both local and national politics. Should he win, it will be another chapter in his long political career that started in Davao City.