In brief
Despite being detained in The Hague for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his drug war, former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is not backing down from the political scene. Analysts note his chances of winning a local mayoral election next month are considerable, fueled by widespread public support and nostalgia for his past leadership.
Supporters of Duterte gathered en masse in Davao City on March 28 to celebrate his 80th birthday turning the occasion into a major political rally. Dressed in green to signify loyalty to his political party, thousands showed up not just in Davao City but across various locations in the Philippines and internationally. Such displays of support seek to resonate with ongoing sentiments about his tough stance against drugs and crime during his administration.While legal issues loom, the wave of sympathy Duterte has cultivated among his followers persists, fostering an environment where even other political candidates are voicing their endorsements for him. With his name still prominently featured on ballots, it appears that Duterte's political ambitions remain intact, as he continues to be a relevant and polarizing figure in Philippine politics, even from behind bars.
