Manila, the Philippines – The former president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, was almost certain to be elected mayor of his hometown by a landslide on Monday, without obstacles for his detention in the International Criminal Court for positions of murder as a crime against humanity.
With 80% of the votes counted in an unofficial count, Duterte, who was taken to The Hague in March for his bloody “War against drugs” that killed thousands of people, was winning the mayor of Davao with eight times more votes than his closest opponent.
The victory during the elections in the middle of the national period is a testimony of the lasting influence of the 80 -year -old player in the southern city, due to his reputation as a criminal who earned him the nicknames “Duterte Harry” and “The Punisher”.
Duterte’s old Facebook account was flooded with congratulatory messages from supporters, and some asked for their return to serve their people.
“Congratulations, Tatay (father) d! We get home,” said one of the comments.
Duterte could become the first former Asian head of state to be tried in the CPI.
His surprise of arrest by the Filipina Police at the request of the ICC caused outrage among his army of followers, who called him a kidnapping at the request of a foreign court.
He has defended anti -drug repression, and his legal team says that his arrest was illegal. The CPI argues that it has jurisdiction to process alleged crimes committed before Duterte retired the Philippines from its foundation treaty in 2019.
Despite the case of the ICC, it also includes alleged murders of suspects criminals for a “death squad” in Davao, while Duterte was mayor, which he has denied, analysts have said that his arrest has only hardened support for him and his family, in Davao and beyond.
The two children of the former president were also ready to win positions on Monday, a re -elected congressman and the other winning the contest for Davao Vicealcalde and would probably serve in the absence of his father.
The political resilience and dominance of the family in Davao could be fundamental as Duterte’s popular daughter, vice president Sara Duterte, faces a political trial that could see her prohibited from life for life if she is convicted, killing any hope of a presidential career.
When asked earlier on Monday about the probable victory of her father, she said that plans would be made so that he was sworn as mayor.
“The CPI lawyer said that once we obtain proclamation documents, we will discuss how they can take an oath,” he said.
