Dutertes absent in covenant signing for honest, clean elections

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Davao mayoral bet Karlo Nograles says the event was an opportunity for candidates to find common ground despite their differences to ensure a successful election

DAVAO, Philippines – Two days before the local election campaign officially began – just as supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte staged rallies demanding his return from the Netherlands on his birthday – candidates in Davao Region gathered before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to sign a pledge for clean and fair campaigning.

But Davao’s most powerful political clan, the Dutertes, was nowhere to be seen.

The event, held at Almendras Gymnasium on Wednesday, March 26, saw mayoral candidates Karlo Nograles and Bishop Rod Cubos leading their lineups in signing the covenant. 

The Dutertes’ Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod candidates were led by Vice Mayor Melchor Quitain Jr.

PLEASANTRIES. Davao City candidates exchange pleasantries as they come together on March 26, 2025, to pledge their commitment to clean and honest elections, just two days before the local campaign period begins. Kath Cortez/Davao Today

Among the congressional aspirants present were Maria Victoria “Magz” Maglana, Margarita “Migs” Nograles-Almario, and Janeth Jabines from the first district; Councilor Javi Campos and Melogen Montesclaros from the second district; and Representative Isidro Ungab from the third district.

Former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is running for city mayor, is currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for alleged crimes against humanity in connection with the war on drugs.

His sons and grandchildren – four of whom are running in the local elections – did not attend the event. Mayor Sebastian Duterte, who is running for vice mayor, was absent. First District Representative Paolo Duterte was believed to be out of the country. His two children, Omar, who is running for a second district congressional seat, and Rigo, who is running for first district councilor, also did not attend.

Independent congressional aspirant Maglana, a development worker for decades, lauded Comelec’s initiative, noting that this was the first time candidates had received a briefing before the campaign started on Friday.

“It’s very clear now what are the do’s and don’ts. As candidates, we have to walk the talk. How will the citizens vote wisely if they see us candidates violate these rules?” asked Maglana.

Karlo Nograles saw the event as an opportunity for candidates to find common ground despite their differences to ensure a successful election.

“More importantly, the signing of the integrity pledge is to keep the elections honest, orderly, peaceful, and clean,” Nograles said.

His sister, Migs Nograles-Almario, said the covenant serves as a reminder for politicians to observe honest and clean campaigning, especially on social media.

“All of us took an oath. Especially now, in an age where fake news is widespread, this is an important thing to instill in the candidates, that they stick to their words, there would be no deception and disinformation of the public,” she said.

A total of 98 candidates are vying for local posts in Davao City, including the positions of mayor, vice mayor, 24 city council seats, and congressional representatives for the three districts.

The local campaign runs from March 28 to May 10.  – Rappler.com

This article is republished with permission from the Davao Today as part of a content-sharing partnership for the 2025 Philippine elections.