Former President Rodrigo Duterte is running for mayor in Davao City with his son, incumbent Mayor Sebastian Duterte, as running mate.
The two filed their certificate of candidacy afternoon on Monday, October 7, 2024.
The former President hinted earlier that he would run for the mayoral post if this is what the people of Davao City wants.
“Is it the public clamor? Gusto ng tao ibig sabihin? Sige mag-mayor tayo. What will happen to Mayor baste? He should be the vice mayor,” he said.
He added that he has no more plans of running for a national position due to his age.
“I think at my age of 73, I don't think i can handle it… let us be realistic about it. I've been your mayor for so many years now… do you think I can carry a national campaign at my age or do you want me to die? I'm just going to collapse,” Duterte said.
The elder Duterte will face a bishop for the mayoral post.
The founder of Christ the Healer International Missions Movement, Rodolfo Cubos, also filed his certificate of candidacy as independent candidate for mayor.
Cubos said he wants change in the city even if it means facing the political giants in the 2025 midterm elections.
The Dutertes have been leading the city for more than two decades.
“Ang advantage ko dito, ang tao ang nagsasalita wala akong against kay Tatay Digong. Si Tatay Digong walang problema. Ang problema, mahina na, kaya ang gusto ko, totoong kausaban,” Cubos said.
Cubos’ running mate is former City Hall employee, Rhodora Barcena.