Former Philippine President Duterte to run for Davao mayor

President Rodrigo right attends a ceremony in Manila Philippines June 30 2022 REUTERS-Yohap — Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (center) attends a ceremony in Manila, Philippines, June 30, 2022. Reuters-Yohap

SEOUL, October 07 (AJP) - Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, 79, has announced his intention to run for mayor of Davao City in next year's midterm elections. Davao City, located on the southern island of Mindanao, has been the Duterte family's political stronghold for decades. Duterte previously served as mayor of Davao for 22 years before becoming president from 2016 to 2022.

During a press conference in Davao on Saturday, Duterte suggested he might form a ticket with his son, Sebastian Duterte, the current mayor. He dismissed rumors of a potential Senate run, citing his age and the challenges of a nationwide campaign. This announcement comes despite earlier statements from his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, that he and his sons Paolo and Sebastian would seek Senate seats.

The Duterte family's political moves come amid growing tensions with the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The two powerful political clans, representing the northern Luzon and southern Mindanao regions, had formed an alliance during the 2022 elections when Marcos and Sara Duterte ran successfully as a ticket for president and vice president, respectively.

AJP