[WATCH] Dutertes cornered Davao City mayoral post for 34 years

In this video, reporter Jairo Bolledo makes sense of the Dutertes' growing political family tree and the negative impact of political dynasties in the Philippines

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Apart from the drug war, impeachment, and confidential funds, there’s another issue people should be talking about the Dutertes: their dynasty.

Excluding former president Rodrigo Duterte‘s term after the end of the Marcos dictatorship in 1986 as vice mayor, the Dutertes have been ruling Davao City for 34 years.

Only a Duterte family member has sat in the city’s top post since 1988 up to present, except from 1998 to 2001 when Duterte’s former ally, Benjamin de Guzman, became mayor.

In three decades, the Duterte dynasty passed on the mayoralty post only among three members of their family — the former president, incumbent Vice President Sara Duterte, and incumbent Mayor Sebastian Duterte.

This 2025, the Dutertes do not only seek to retain their hold on the city, but they also aim to further expand their political influence.

The former president is running anew as mayor, with Sebastian as his running mate. Paolo Duterte is seeking reelection in the 1st congressional district, while his two sons are seeking other positions.

Paolo’s son, Omar Duterte, is running as 2nd congressional district representative to expand their family’s power from 1st district to 2nd district, while his brother, Rodrigo Duterte II, is running as councilor.

In this video, Rappler reporter Jairo Bolledo makes sense of the Dutertes’ growing political family tree and the negative impact of dynasties on the electoral process and citizens’ participation in governance. – Rappler.com

Reporter, writer, video editor: Jairo Bolledo
Producer: Cara Angeline Oliver
Graphics: DR Castuciano, Guia Abogado