Former President Rodrigo Duterte can still be elected and proclaimed as Davao City mayor in the upcoming 2025 elections unless he is officially convicted of crimes against humanity, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Duterte’s Name Stays on the Ballot
Comelec Chairperson George Garcia clarified that Duterte’s name will remain on the ballot as long as there is no final conviction, whether in the Philippines or abroad.
“If there are no legal developments between now and election day, and Duterte wins, he will be proclaimed as mayor,” Garcia told Super Radyo dzBB.
Can Duterte Be Mayor Without Being Present?
Yes. According to Garcia, candidates do not have to be physically present to be proclaimed as winners. Even if Duterte is not in the country during the proclamation, he can still be officially recognized as Davao City’s mayor if he secures the majority vote.
However, once proclaimed, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) may choose to declare the mayor’s position vacant—either permanently or temporarily—depending on legal proceedings.
Who Will Lead Davao If Duterte Is Unavailable?
The Local Government Code states that if a mayor’s position is left vacant, the vice mayor will automatically take over the duties of the mayor. This means that if Duterte cannot assume office, the vice mayor-elect will take over as acting mayor.
Duterte’s Ongoing ICC Case
Duterte is currently facing charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, over alleged human rights violations linked to his controversial war on drugs.
Last Friday, he appeared before the ICC pre-trial chamber via video conference to respond to charges. The next hearing to confirm these charges is set for September 23, 2025.
Can Duterte Still Campaign and Vote?
Yes. Despite his legal troubles, Duterte remains a candidate for Davao City mayor in the 2025 elections. Comelec confirmed that even if he is overseas, he can still campaign and vote remotely.
The situation raises major legal and political questions as the 2025 elections approach. Will Duterte win? And if he does, will he be able to serve? The coming months will determine the answers.
