THE Duterte family's dominance in Davao City's local elections remains strong, as reflected in the latest 2025 election survey conducted by the University of Mindanao-Institute of Popular Opinion (UM-IPO).
The survey, conducted from January 8 to 28, 2025, covered all three districts, gathering responses from 2,582 registered voters through face-to-face interviews. With a two percent margin of error and a 95 percent confidence level, the results reveal a significant lead for Duterte candidates in key local positions.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte led the mayoral race with 60 percent of voter preference, while his son, Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, secured 55.7 percent for vice mayor. Their closest rivals—Karlo Nograles and Bernie Al-ag—trail far behind with 10 percent and 14 percent, respectively.
However, nearly 30 percent of voters remain undecided.
In the congressional races, incumbent Rep. Paolo Duterte dominates the first district with 54.8 percent of voter preference, far ahead of his opponent, Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Party-list Representative Margarita "Migs" Nograles, who has only 16.1 percent.
In the second district, Omar Duterte holds 41.8 percent, nearly doubling Javi Campos' 23.4 percent. The third district sees Isidro Ungab leading with 39.6 percent, followed by Nonoy Al-ag at 23.2 percent.
The survey also highlighted the top contenders for the city council.
In the first district, the frontrunners include Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II, J. Melchor Quitain Jr., Jessica “Cookie” Bonguyan, Radge Nino Ibuyan, Bonz Andre Militar, Atty. Luna Acosta, Pamela “Paneng” Librado, and Temujin “Tek” Ocampo.
The second district’s leading candidates are Danilo “Danny” Dayanghirang, Al Ryan Alejandre, Jonard Dayap, Louie John Bonguyan, and Atty. Diosdado Mahipus, Cheche Justol, Doce Apostol, and Ralph Abella. Meanwhile, in the third district, the preferred candidates are Atty. Bai Hundra Cassandra “Sweet” Advincula, Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, Rachel Zozobrado, Alberto Ungab, Jopet Baluran, Petite Principe, Enzo Villafuerte, and Trisha Ann Jasmin Villafuerte.
“A significant number of undecided implied the need for candidates to make known their platforms and plans for Davao City. Perhaps, these undecided would like to know first where these candidates will devote their time and efforts when and if they are elected,” UM-IPO said.
What Dabawenyos think
Public sentiment reinforces the Duterte family's influence in Davao politics.
Honee B. Carballo, a virtual assistant from Catalunan Grande, believes their continued dominance stems from their contributions to the city’s economic and infrastructure development. She credits former President Duterte’s leadership for shaping Davao’s progress, expressing confidence that his children and allies will follow his guidance.
She acknowledged that not all of Duterte’s children and grandchildren may match his performance, but she believes the former president will guide them. Because of this, she supports their candidacy for local positions. As for the politicians backed by the Dutertes, Carballo said she favors them, trusting that the family would only endorse leaders who prioritize the people’s welfare.
“Point is, maskin pag unsaon og daot sa pangalan sa mga “Duterte” ug sa iyahang mga ginasabak o iyahang mga ka-line up dako gyud og purohan nga sila ang mudaog this upcoming elections kay tungod sa iyahang nahimo (No matter the criticism, the Dutertes and their allies have a strong chance of winning due to their accomplishments),” she said in an interview on February 2, 2025.
Neil John Ang, a respiratory therapist from Talomo Proper, shares a similar view, saying the Duterte family’s long-standing service and dedication have earned them voter trust.
“Their actions have created a positive influence, leading voters to perceive them as reliable figures who align with the values desired by the people. This proven track record makes them a compelling choice for continued leadership,” he said.
Their track record, he added, makes them a compelling choice for continued leadership. However, he urges voters to make informed decisions based on a candidate’s merits rather than relying solely on endorsements.
As the 2025 elections draw near, five members of the Duterte family are set to run for key positions: Rodrigo Duterte for mayor, Sebastian Duterte for vice mayor, Paolo Duterte for first district representative, Omar Duterte for second district representative, and Rigo Duterte for first district councilor. RGP