Former President Rodrigo Duterte, a figure both revered and reviled, now finds himself again at the center of international scrutiny. His arrest and turnover to the International Criminal Court (ICC) last Tuesday (March 11) to face charges of “crimes against humanity” for the War on Drugs launched during his administration and the extrajudicial killings (EJK) that accompanied it, have reignited the nation’s deep polarization. Meanwhile, his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, faces her own political storm, with an impeachment trial looming on the horizon.
For their critics, these developments signal the beginning of the end for the Duterte dynasty. Some are quick to predict that their fall from grace will confine them to Davao, erasing their influence on the national stage. But is this truly the end of the road for the Dutertes, or merely a detour?
The upcoming May 2025 elections will serve as a litmus test for their enduring political clout. The results will reveal whether the Duterte brand still resonates with the Filipino electorate or if the controversies surrounding them have irreparably tarnished their legacy. If PDP-Laban, the party closely associated with the Dutertes, secures Senate seats, it will be a clear indication that their influence is far from extinguished.
However, the current landscape paints a challenging picture for the beleaguered political party. It has fielded nine senatorial candidates: incumbent senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Bong Go, SAGIP Party-List Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, PBBM’s former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, actor Philip Salvador, and lawyers Raul Lambino, Jimmy Bondoc, and Jayvee Hinlo. Among them, only dela Rosa and Go are currently within the “Magic 12” in pre-election surveys. The remaining seven candidates are struggling to gain traction, raising questions about the party’s ability to maintain its foothold in national politics.
The arrest of PRRD as well as the alleged demolition job and persecution of the Vice President have also raised questions about their impact on voter sentiment. Will these events galvanize their supporters, framing them as victims of political vendettas? Or will they alienate the undecided, weary of the controversies that have long surrounded the family?
One thing is certain: the May elections will serve as a referendum on the Dutertes and the nation’s tolerance for polarizing figures. The results will either solidify their place in history as a formidable political force—particularly with many anticipating Sara Duterte’s potential presidential bid in the 2028 national elections—or signal their fall from grace and the end of their era.
As the nation watches this drama unfold, the question remains: Is the Duterte legacy resilient enough to weather this storm, or will it be swept away by the tides of change?
The political landscape in the Philippines has always been dynamic, with shifting alliances and evolving public sentiments. The Duterte family’s ability to navigate these turbulent waters will be put to the test in the coming months. Their response to the challenges they face will be closely scrutinized by both their supporters and detractors.
In the end, the May 2025 elections will not only determine the future of the Duterte dynasty but also reflect the broader political climate in the Philippines. The outcome will provide valuable insights into the nation’s priorities and the direction it wishes to take. As the country stands at this critical juncture, the choices made by the electorate will shape the course of Philippine politics for years to come.
