Dear Editor,

The recent Pasko Pahalipay sa Taal event in Davao City was a stark reminder of the enduring political influence of the Duterte family. The event, organized by former President Rodrigo Duterte, served as a thank you rally to his supporters and a launch pad for the Dutertes’ political ambitions in the upcoming 2025 elections.

The gathering came on the heels of a particularly turbulent year for the Dutertes as the once-ironclad alliance between President Duterte and his successor, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., had fractured, leaving Philippine politics in a state of flux.

The rift between the two leaders deepened after Vice President Sara Duterte’s resignation from her Cabinet post as secretary of the Department of Education — which was widely seen as a response to mounting political pressure, underscored by the simmering tensions in the national political scene.

Despite the national turmoil, the Dutertes remain a dominant force in their home turf of Davao City. At the Pasko event, the former president himself announced his intention to return to local politics by seeking the mayoralty of Davao City once more in 2025.

This move highlights the enduring popularity of the Duterte name in Davao, a region where Rodrigo Duterte is credited with fostering peace and security during his time as mayor.

The decision to run for mayor again is not the only political gambit the Dutertes have undertaken. Rodrigo Duterte’s son, Sebastian or Baste, the current mayor, will be running for vice mayor.

This dynastic approach to politics is a familiar one in the Philippines, and it speaks to the continued influence of prominent families in shaping the country’s political landscape.

The return of Rodrigo Duterte to local politics presents a fascinating prospect for the Philippines, as his authoritarian style of leadership has been both lauded and criticized and his re-entry in the political fray is sure to reignite debates about his legacy.

One can only speculate as to the motivation for Duterte’s decision to return to power. Does he yearn for a return to the national spotlight? Or is this a strategic move to solidify the Duterte family’s grip on power in Davao City?

Regardless of his intentions, Duterte’s return promises to inject a potent dose of drama into the upcoming elections.

The 2025 elections are shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the country’s history. The Dutertes’ political maneuvers are just one piece of the puzzle, but they serve as a potent reminder of the enduring influence of powerful families in Philippine politics.

As the nation gears up for this crucial election, it remains to be seen whether the Duterte family can retain its political dominance, or whether a new chapter is about to be written.