In a stunning twist from behind bars, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has thrown his support behind two new Senate candidates for the 2025 elections: retired Colonel Ariel Querubin and former senator Gringo Honasan. This bold move comes as Duterte remains locked up at the International Criminal Court (ICC) facility in The Hague, facing charges tied to his brutal war on drugs—a campaign that left thousands dead and sparked global outrage.
Duterte’s son, Davao City Congressman Paolo Duterte, delivered the news during a heartfelt chat with his father’s loyal supporters outside the detention center. “He extends his thanks for your continued support,” Paolo said, his voice steady but firm. “He wants the Filipino people to keep backing the PDP-Laban ‘Duterten’ senators, plus two. The final names he’s endorsing are Querubin and Honasan” (GMA News).
This endorsement sends shockwaves through the already tense 2025 Senate race, where 12 seats are up for grabs. Duterte’s name still carries weight in Philippine politics, even as he faces an uncertain future at the ICC. His influence, once a roar across the nation, now echoes from a prison cell, yet it remains undeniable.
Who Are Querubin and Honasan?
Ariel Querubin, a retired military officer, has been gaining traction as an independent candidate. Known for his no-nonsense approach to national security, Querubin has already secured endorsements from heavyweights like Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Grace Poe, and JV Ejercito (GMA News). His entry into the race adds a fresh face to Duterte’s slate, signaling a push for fresh blood in the Senate.
Gringo Honasan, on the other hand, is a political veteran. Once a coup plotter against former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., Honasan later served as a senator and held the role of Information and Communications Technology Secretary under Duterte. His history of challenging the establishment makes him a fitting ally for the former president, who thrives on defiance (Manila Times).
Candidate | Background | Key Advocacy |
|---|---|---|
Ariel Querubin | Retired Colonel, independent candidate | National security, defense reforms |
Gringo Honasan | Former senator, ex-DICT Secretary | Land use, national security, reforms |
A Political Chess Move
Duterte’s endorsement is more than just a nod—it’s a calculated strategy. With the May 12, 2025, elections fast approaching, the former president is pulling strings to ensure his party, PDP-Laban, remains a force in the Senate. The “DuterTEN” slate, as it’s called, now stands at 12 candidates, including loyalists like Senators Bong Go and Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, alongside newcomers like actor Philip Salvador and lawyer Jimmy Bondoc (Rappler).
But why Querubin and Honasan? Sources suggest Duterte sees them as fighters—men who won’t shy away from tough battles, much like himself. Querubin’s military background and Honasan’s rebel past align with Duterte’s brand of tough, unapologetic leadership. “PDP-Laban na mga senador. I-vote straight nyo na lang ‘yan. Tapos kulang sila ng dalawa, no? Andiyan si Honasan. Andiyan si Querubin. ‘Di kayo matatalo diyan,” Paolo Duterte urged voters, emphasizing their reliability (GMA News).
Duterte’s Defiance from Detention
Locked up but unbowed, Duterte’s health and spirits remain strong, according to his son. “He’s alright,” Paolo said with a grin. “He looks like a bad boy. He looks like a mayor.” It’s a nod to Duterte’s fiery persona, which still resonates with millions of Filipinos who see him as a strongman protector, even as critics label him a human rights abuser (SunStar Davao).
Duterte’s arrest on March 11, 2025, by Philippine authorities and his subsequent transfer to The Hague marked a dramatic fall for the man who once ruled with an iron fist (BBC News). Yet, his political machine grinds on. From his detention cell, he’s not just surviving—he’s shaping the future of Philippine politics. Paolo confirmed that Duterte is in good condition, saying, “They’re caring for him properly inside.”
The Broader Context
The 2025 Senate elections are a critical juncture for the Philippines. With 68 million voters expected to participate, the midterms will fill over 18,000 posts, including 12 Senate seats (Inquirer). Duterte’s endorsements come at a time of political upheaval, with his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, facing impeachment charges and tensions rising between the Duterte and Marcos families (France24).
Duterte’s PDP-Laban slate faces stiff competition from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s candidates, who are projected to dominate, according to polls (The Diplomat). Yet, Duterte’s loyalists, including Senators Bong Go and Ronald Dela Rosa, remain in the “winning circle” based on pre-campaign surveys ([Rappler](https://www.rappler.com/phil Phillips/elections/rodrigo-duterte-endorse-2025-senate-bets-club-filipino-cory-aquino-took-oath/)).
The Stakes Are High
The 2025 Senate elections are more than just a numbers game; they’re a battleground for power. With 12 seats open, the race is wide open, and Duterte’s slate could tip the balance. His endorsement of Querubin and Honasan is a clear signal: he’s not done yet. “Pinapaalam niya sa buang sambayanang Pilipino na patuloy supportahan ang PDP-Laban DuterTEN senators plus two,” Paolo declared, underscoring his father’s call to action (SunStar Davao).
As the election clock ticks down, all eyes are on Duterte’s candidates. Can they ride his coattails to victory? Or will his shadow prove too heavy to bear? The controversy surrounding Duterte’s drug war and ICC detention adds fuel to an already fiery campaign. Supporters see him as a hero fighting for the Philippines, while critics argue his legacy is tainted by violence and impunity.
Looking Ahead
Duterte’s influence will be tested on May 12, 2025, when voters head to the polls. Both Rodrigo and Paolo Duterte are also running—Rodrigo for Davao City mayor and Paolo for reelection to the House of Representatives—further cementing the family’s political dynasty (Reuters). The addition of Querubin and Honasan to the PDP-Laban slate is a strategic move to bolster their chances, but the outcome remains uncertain.
As the Philippines braces for a high-stakes election, Duterte’s latest move has raised the stakes. From a detention cell in The Hague, he continues to cast a long shadow over the nation’s future.
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