. The Duterte and Nograles families are related by affinity, as Nograles’ wife, Rhodora Bendigo, is a relative of the Dutertes.
DAVAO CITY — The political rivalry for Davao City’s mayoral seat is intensifying as former President Rodrigo Duterte faces off against former Civil Service Chairperson Karlo Alexie Nograles.
This intense rivalry extends to the next generation, with Duterte’s eldest son, First District Representative Paolo Duterte, seeking reelection and facing a challenge from Atty. Margarita Nograles, the incumbent PBA Party-list Representative.
The roots of this Duterte-Nograles political clash can be traced back to 1992, when the late House Speaker Prospero Nograles—Karlo’s father—lost the mayoral race to the then-incumbent Rodrigo Duterte after vacating his House seat.
Notably, the Duterte and Nograles families share a connection through affinity, with Nograles’ wife, Rhodora Bendigo, being a relative of the Dutertes.
Despite their intertwined history, the Dutertes have historically wielded significant influence in Davao politics, often sharing the stage with the Nograles clan.
A turning point occurred when House Speaker Prospero Nograles reconciled with Rodrigo Duterte before his passing, eventually leading to Karlo Nograles’ role as Secretary to the Cabinet during the Duterte administration then.
However, recent political shifts have seen the Nograles family aligning themselves with the camp of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., signaling a new chapter in the longstanding Duterte-Nograles political saga.
Edith Z Caduaya studied Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao.
The chairperson of Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc.
