Duterte 2025 plans uncertain

MANILA, Philippines —  Filipinos will have to “wait and see” if former president Rodrigo Duterte will run for senator or Davao mayor in the May 2025 midterm elections, according to Sen. Bong Go.

Duterte is expected to join the campaign trail but it is still uncertain if he will vie for a national or local post, Go said.

“We will wait and see until the last day of filing (of certificates of candidacy) on Oct. 8,” he said.

The International Criminal Court will reportedly issue arrest warrants against Duterte and several others over alleged crimes against humanity committed during the Duterte administration’s drug war.

Among them is Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, the first police chief of the Duterte administration. Go meanwhile served as Duterte’s presidential aide. Both are running for reelection under Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP).

Dela Rosa said they invited Davao Mayor Sebastian Duterte to join them in the senatorial race.

Since the Davao mayor took his oath as a member of PDP, Dela Rosa said they are hoping that he would opt to run for a higher post.

“We are hoping that he will join the senatorial slate but the only requirement is that former president Duterte will run as mayor of Davao,” Dela Rosa noted.

Despite his age, Sen. Robin Padilla said the former president is still capable of working in the Senate.

But if Duterte decides not to run for a national position, Padilla said they expect one of his children to fill the PDP senatorial slate.   –  Elizabeth Marcelo