Rody running for Davao mayor, Baste for vice mayor

Five Dutertes are running for public office in Davao City in the May 2025 midterm elections, led by former president Rodrigo Duterte, who filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for mayor yesterday afternoon.

- DIANA LHYD SUELTO

His son, Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, who accompanied him to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Davao City, also filed his COC for vice mayor.

Omar, the former president's grandson and son of Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, filed his COC for representative of the city's second district.

At midmorning yesterday, Paolo also filed his COC for reelection, while his other son, Rigo, filed his COC for councilor of the first district last week.

Should they win, there will be five Dutertes holding public office in Davao City.

In an interview after his filing, Sebastian told media that his tandem with his father is what they see as the best for the city.

Baste added that he is happy that his father still has a lot to give to the people.

"His form of governance is very rare and effective as what we have seen," he said. "I know many are glad that he is back, and I am also happy that he is running." The former president had served as Davao City mayor for over 20 years before becoming president in 2016.

He was then succeeded by his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte.

In an earlier interview, the former president had issued a warning to all drug pushers and other criminals to leave the city because they will all die once he becomes mayor.

He also challenged the Commission on Human Rights to tell the criminals to leave the city before he becomes mayor.

Nograles vs Duterte?

Amid these developments, Civil Service Commission Chairman Karlo Alexei Nograles has resigned from his post to seek public office in his hometown Davao City, the CSC said yesterday.

Although he did not specify the elective position, Nograles is expected to run and face Duterte in a battle for city hall.

Nograles, who had about five years left in his seven-year term, sent his resignation to President Marcos yesterday.