Hanoi (VNA) - Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has won the mayoral election in Davao city, his political stronghold, despite being detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague on charges of crimes against humanity related to his controversial war on drugs.
Preliminary results from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) show Duterte leading with approximately 405,000 votes, significantly ahead of his closest rival, who garnered around 49,000 votes.
Under Philippine law, candidates who have not been convicted by a domestic court remain eligible to run for office. Duterte's name remained on the ballot, and his victory is expected to be proclaimed officially.
Duterte was arrested on March 11 by Philippine authorities and transferred to the ICC, where he faces charges stemming from his anti-drug campaign that resulted in thousands of deaths.
His daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, is currently facing an impeachment trial in the Senate, which can impact her political future and potential candidacy in the 2028 presidential election.
The midterm elections held on May 12, involved over 18,000 positions across various levels of government and are seen as a significant factor in shaping the political landscape leading up to the next presidential race.
Despite his detention, Duterte's enduring popularity in Davao city underscores the complex political dynamics in the Philippines, where legal challenges and political allegiances continue to intersect./.
