Behind Bars But Still in Charge: Duterte’s Senate Slate Stuns Philippines
A whisper became a roar. From a cell in The Hague, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte just reshaped the 2025 elections.
His son, Congressman Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, dropped a bombshell outside the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention center: “Final na. Querubin and Honasan.” Retired Colonel Ariel Querubin and ex-senator Gringo Honasan are the last names on Duterte’s 12-candidate Senate slate.
“He thanks you for your support,” Pulong told supporters, his voice sharp against the jail’s cold walls. “Stand with PDP Laban’s ‘DuterTen’ plus two.”
Duterte, detained since March 11 over his deadly drug war, faces an ICC confirmation hearing on September 24. Yet his grip on Philippine politics hasn’t faded.
The ‘Bad Boy’ Behind Bars
“He’s alright. Looks like a bad boy now—like a mayor,” Pulong joked. Critics weren’t laughing.
The 78-year-old’s health? Stable. His influence? Unshaken. Days before his arrest, Duterte rallied crowds for 10 PDP-Laban candidates, including:
Senator Bong Go
Actor Philip Salvador
Detained pastor Apollo Quibuloy
Now, Querubin and Honasan—both ex-military figures—join the list.
2025’s High-Stakes Gamble
Duterte isn’t just picking senators. He’s running for Davao City mayor. Pulong aims to keep his House seat.
But questions crackle like lightning: Can a man on trial abroad win votes at home? Will his “bad boy” image sway a nation split over his drug war?
One thing’s clear: The Dutertes aren’t backing down. As the ICC hearing looms, their message blares louder than jailhouse sirens: This fight’s far from over.
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