Former President Rodrigo Duterte can still run for Davao City mayor in the upcoming elections despite his recent arrest and ongoing case for alleged crimes against humanity, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) confirmed.
In a Life! report, Comelec Commissioner Ernest Maceda stated that Duterte remains in the race as he has neither withdrawn his candidacy nor been disqualified. He explained that only a final conviction from the International Criminal Court (ICC) would bar the former leader from seeking office.
“As long as the conviction is not final, a candidate is still allowed to run,” Maceda said, noting that individuals with pending appeals can still participate in elections.
However, if Duterte wins, he must take his oath before assuming office—a process complicated by his current journey to The Hague, Netherlands, where he will face charges at the ICC. Maceda clarified that if Duterte is unable to assume the role, the elected vice mayor would take over mayoral duties.
Meanwhile, Comelec dismissed allegations of vote-buying during Duterte’s campaign rally in Hong Kong, citing a lack of jurisdiction over incidents that occur outside the country.
Duterte was arrested on March 11 for charges including murder, torture, and rape—crimes classified under the Rome Statute—stemming from his administration’s violent anti-drug campaign, Oplan Tokhang, which led to thousands of extrajudicial killings.
According to ICC assistant to counsel Kristina Conti, Duterte’s legal proceedings will begin with an initial hearing and confirmation of charges upon his arrival in The Hague. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison, though the final sentence may depend on his legal defense.
