One month after Duterte’s arrest, one month before elections

April 12, 2025

Carmela S. Fonbuena
PCIJ Executive Director

The future of the Duterte political dynasty has, to a large extent, dominated discourse for the May 2025 midterm elections.

This follows the impeachment in February of Vice President Sara Duterte and the arrest in March of former President Rodrigo Duterte, now in the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC) as the Pre-Trial Chamber considers allegations of crimes against humanity.

Duterte’s supporters have called for his return to the Philippines. They cannot influence the ICC process already underway, but they have made their voices heard in the latest Pulse Asia survey, which shows Duterte’s candidates surging in the polls.

The political division shows familiar patterns from 1986 to 2001, where Filipinos who remained loyal to ousted presidents Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Joseph Estrada were heedless to the demands for justice and accountability.

What would it take to rebuild, reconcile and heal the nation?

I interviewed thinkers, activists, and other key voices to diagnose these deep political divisions gripping the country.

Please help us amplify them by posting on your websites and social media platforms.

Duterte’s ICC arrest is the first domino: Can new leaders rise in the power struggle ahead?

Drieza Lininding, a supporter turned critic of Duterte I interviewed for the article, said he wishes Filipinos will also focus more on the candidates in the coming elections.

“In Marawi, electricity is still a major problem. We should be asking the candidates how they plan to address it,” he said.

We agree. Other than the Dutertes’ future, here are 10 measures and issues the Senate and the House of Representatives are going to likely tackle.