Former President Rodrigo Duterte to run for Mayor of Davao City with son Sebastian as Vice Mayor

DAVAO CITY — Two days after he manifested his political comeback, former President Rodrigo Duterte has officially filed his certificate of candidacy for Mayor of Davao City in the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections, with his son, Sebastian Duterte, running as his vice mayoralty candidate.

At around 4:45 on Monday, October 7. Duterte arrived at Magsaysay Park with his supporters cheering while he walked his way to the office of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to submit his candidacy.

Former Civil Service chairperson Karlo Nograles will fight for the Mayoralty post while Margarita Nograles will also contest the reelection bid of First District Representative Paolo Duterte who is now on his third and final term.

The former president was accompanied by his partner Honeylet Avanceña and former city administrators Atty, Antonio Llamas and Atty. Wendel Avisado who served as the Budget Secretary during the Duterte presidency.

During the Saturday press conference, Duterte called on the sus[ected drug users and pushers in Davao City to ship out saying he would kill them all if he is elected the mayor, emphasizing his commitment in ending the drug menace.

The duo’s campaign platform centers around enhancing public services, improving infrastructure, and maintaining peace and order—issues that resonated with voters during Duterte’s presidency.

“Together, we aim to build on the foundation laid in the past years and create a safer, more prosperous Davao for everyone,” Sebastian Duterte added during the media interview.

The announcement has reignited discussions about the Duterte family’s influence in local politics, with many supporters expressing enthusiasm for a potential return to the mayoralty by the former president. “We need someone who understands the needs of the people, and who better than President Duterte?” remarked one supporter at the rally.

Opposition figures have already begun to voice concerns about the potential return of the Duterte administration to local leadership, citing issues related to governance and human rights during the former president’s time in office. Critics argue that a Duterte-led administration could bring back controversial policies and practices.

As the election approaches, the Duterte campaign is expected to mobilize significant grassroots support, leveraging the former president’s established popularity in the region. The dynamics of the race will likely evolve as Nograles will also run for the positions the Dutertes are seeking, setting the stage for a competitive electoral battle in Davao City.