In brief
Despite being arrested on charges of crimes against humanity, former President Duterte continues to garner considerable support in the Philippines, highlighting divisions in public opinion and impacting the current political climate.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte, now detained in The Hague on charges of crimes against humanity, celebrates his 80th birthday with an outpouring of support from loyal followers in the Philippines. Although Duterte's anti-drug campaign led to thousands of deaths, his popularity endures, evidenced by a crowd of supporters dressed in his party's colors gathering in Davao City as he marked another year. Duterte's unexpected arrest and subsequent extradition have polarized the nation, revealing a split in public sentiment. While opinion polls indicate that a significant number of Filipinos back the international investigation into his actions, many of his supporters rally to his defense, asserting he is a target of persecution by current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This political fallout has led to dramatic shifts in approval ratings; President Marcos's popularity has significantly decreased following Duterte's arrest, while that of Sara Duterte, the vice president and Duterte's daughter, has notably increased, showcasing the complexities of Philippine politics in the wake of Duterte's legal troubles. The upcoming local elections will further test his enduring influence as he aims for an eighth term as the mayor of Davao City, remaining eligible for office despite his international legal challenges. The situation highlights the deep-rooted loyalty many Filipinos hold toward Duterte, complicating the narrative surrounding both his controversial leadership and the burgeoning calls for accountability regarding his government's actions.
