Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who is presently incarcerated in The Hague facing serious charges, appears to maintain significant popularity among his constituents.
Rodrigo Duterte's Popularity Surges Despite Legal Woes
Rodrigo Duterte's Popularity Surges Despite Legal Woes
As former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte faces charges at the International Criminal Court, his domestic support remains robust.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of crimes against humanity, continues to enjoy a loyal following back home in the Philippines. On March 28, as he celebrated his 80th birthday behind bars, an outpouring of support was evident, with supporters sending flowers and cards to the ICC detention center. “The place was inundated with flowers,” said Nicholas Kaufman, Duterte’s lawyer, who noted the volume of mail being sent to the ex-president.
In the Philippines, thousands wore Duterte's political party colors and took to the streets of Davao City in a demonstration of support. Despite his controversial record, particularly during his administration's brutal anti-drug campaign that resulted in numerous deaths, he remains a powerful force in local politics. With midterm elections approaching, reports indicate he is likely to secure another term as mayor of Davao, marking his eighth time in the position.
Duterte’s arrest and extradition have polarized opinions across the nation. While some polls indicate a majority of Filipinos approve of the ICC investigation, a strong segment of his supporters perceive his arrest as politically motivated, stemming from a rift with current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a former ally. Following Duterte's arrest, Marcos's approval ratings have seen a notable decline, while those for Sara Duterte, the former president's daughter and current vice president, have risen sharply.
The political dynamics in the Philippines remain fluid as the country navigates the implications of the ongoing legal proceedings against Duterte alongside an electorate deeply influenced by his legacy.
In the Philippines, thousands wore Duterte's political party colors and took to the streets of Davao City in a demonstration of support. Despite his controversial record, particularly during his administration's brutal anti-drug campaign that resulted in numerous deaths, he remains a powerful force in local politics. With midterm elections approaching, reports indicate he is likely to secure another term as mayor of Davao, marking his eighth time in the position.
Duterte’s arrest and extradition have polarized opinions across the nation. While some polls indicate a majority of Filipinos approve of the ICC investigation, a strong segment of his supporters perceive his arrest as politically motivated, stemming from a rift with current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a former ally. Following Duterte's arrest, Marcos's approval ratings have seen a notable decline, while those for Sara Duterte, the former president's daughter and current vice president, have risen sharply.
The political dynamics in the Philippines remain fluid as the country navigates the implications of the ongoing legal proceedings against Duterte alongside an electorate deeply influenced by his legacy.
