Stage set for battle of the dynasties as Rodrigo Duterte eyes return to politics in the Philippines

Source: The Guardian

Stage set for battle of the dynasties as Rodrigo Duterte eyes return to politics in the Philippines

Former president to run for mayor of Davao amid fight for power against formidable Marcos family

Rebecca Ratcliffe
Wed 9 Oct 2024 23.44 BST
Last modified on Thu 10 Oct 2024 00.24 BST

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, 79, returned to politics this week when he registered to run as mayor in his family’s stronghold, Davao city. It leaves little doubt: two of the country’s most powerful political families, the Dutertes and the Marcoses, are set for an epic struggle for power.

For the Dutertes, it could prove a battle for their survival. Rodrigo Duterte is facing an investigation by the international criminal court for crimes against humanity over his brutal war on drugs, and the family needs political clout and powerful friends.

Next year’s midterm elections, in which thousands of regional and city seats are to be contested, as well as 317 Congress seats and, importantly, 12 senate positions, will prove a broader test of the family’s relevance. They are facing a challenge from an upstart dynasty in their stronghold, Davao, which analysts say marks the most significant threat to their power there in two decades, and are battling against the formidable resources and machinery of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on the national stage.

For Marcos Jr, son and namesake of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr, midterm elections next year will be crucial to cementing his legacy before he reaches the end of his single six-year term limit.

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Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/10/stage-set-for-battle-of-the-dynasties-as-rodrigo-duterte-eyes-return-to-politics-in-the-philippines