From ICC Detention, Duterte Finalizes 2025 Senate Bets, Adding Honasan, Querubin

 



THE HAGUE – Even locked away in a detention cell miles from home, former President Rodrigo Duterte is still shaking up Philippine politics.

News broke that Duterte has added two more names to his list of chosen candidates for the 2025 Senate race. His son, Davao City Congressman Paolo Duterte, made the announcement.

The new picks are retired Colonel Ariel Querubin and former senator Gringo Honasan.

"He extends his thanks for your continued support," Congressman Duterte told his father’s supporters outside the International Criminal Court (ICC) building in The Hague. "He wants the Filipino people to continue supporting the PDP Laban 'DuterTen' senators, plus two."

"Final na, in-endorse ngayon sa loob, pinapaalam sa inyo, si Querubin and Honasan," the congressman added. (It's final, endorsed from inside, letting you know, it's Querubin and Honasan.)

This brings the total number of Duterte-backed Senate hopefuls to twelve.

The former president is being held at the ICC detention center. He faces serious charges of alleged crimes against humanity. These charges stem from the thousands of deaths during his harsh war on drugs.

Duterte was arrested in Manila on March 11 and flown to the Netherlands the next day. A crucial court hearing at the ICC is set for September 24.

Despite his situation, Duterte remains a powerful figure. Before his arrest, he had already thrown his support behind ten other candidates for his party, PDP-Laban.



These candidates include familiar faces and allies:

  • Senator Bong Go
  • Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa
  • Lawyer-singer Jimmy Bondoc
  • Lawyer Raul Lambino
  • Actor Philip Salvador
  • Lawyer Jayvee Hinlo
  • Sagip party-list Representative Rodante Marcoleta
  • Detained pastor Apollo Quiboloy
  • Former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez
  • Dr. Richard Mata

His son Paolo also shared an update on the former president's health after more than a month in detention.

"Okay naman siya. Mas bad boy tingnan. Ngayon, mukhang mayor,” the lawmaker said. (He’s alright, he looks more like a bad boy. He looks like a mayor now.)

"Nasa mabuting kalagayan naman. Inalagaan siya nung maayos sa loob," he assured supporters. (He's in good condition. They're caring for him properly inside.)

While the 2025 election is still some time away, the political scene is already heating up. Both Rodrigo Duterte and his son Paolo are also running for office in the upcoming May 12 polls. The elder Duterte is aiming to become Davao City mayor again, while Paolo seeks reelection to Congress.

The endorsements from detention show Duterte intends to remain a major force in Philippine politics, even as he faces international justice.

Read more Latest News from The Philippines at: Reshuff PH

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