Mayor Baste Duterte Labels ICC Situation as 'Complex,' Rules Out 2028 Presidential Run
In a recent interview with media members at The Hague, Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte characterized the ongoing International Criminal Court (ICC) proceedings involving his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, as a "complex situation." The mayor emphasized that his family remains prepared for any developments, while simultaneously dismissing speculation about a potential national political campaign in the 2028 elections.
Navigating Political Ambiguity in the ICC Case
Mayor Duterte elaborated on the intricacies surrounding the ICC case, pointing to various political factors and international actors that contribute to the difficulty in interpreting the situation. "It's a complex situation. You have the ICC involved and these people from the Philippines who are left-leaning… and you know how social — these are socialist states, the European Union. So there's so much ambiguity around everything that's happening right now," he stated.
The ICC has been investigating the former president for alleged crimes against humanity linked to thousands of deaths during his anti-drug campaign, both during his presidency and earlier tenure as Davao City mayor. Recently, the court conducted a four-day confirmation of charges, which Rodrigo Duterte did not attend.
Despite the uncertainty, Baste Duterte assured that the family has long been ready for possible outcomes. "We are always prepared. Even my father is prepared. Wala kami dito para iiyak lang. You know? It's politics. Most of it is politics," he remarked, highlighting the political nature of the proceedings.
No National Ambitions for 2028
During the same interview, Mayor Duterte firmly shut down rumors about a possible run for a national position in the 2028 elections. When questioned about a potential presidential bid, he expressed clear frustration with national politics, stating, "I'm f****** tired and sick of it all. Wala."
He outlined his focus on local governance, saying he would be satisfied to see Davao City continue to thrive under a competent national leader. "Okay na yung Davao kung may mahalal tayo na maayos na presidente na talagang… that will take care of the money of the people. Tapos well-allocated, and the national government is somehow decentralized enough that the provinces will benefit from it," Duterte explained.
The mayor added that he could potentially serve under a future administration if it practices responsible governance. "Then why not? I can always work under an administration if ever nandiyan pa ako ng panahon na iyan as long as the head of state is of sound mind," he said, before criticizing the current leadership in Malacañang Palace. Notably, Baste was the first among the Dutertes to publicly criticize President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s leadership.
Family Presence at The Hague
Mayor Duterte and his sister, Veronica "Kitty" Duterte, are currently in The Hague to address concerns related to their father's case. Their presence underscores the family's active involvement in navigating the legal and political challenges posed by the ICC investigation.
This development comes amid heightened political tensions in the Philippines, with the Duterte family remaining a significant force in national discourse. The mayor's comments reflect a blend of resilience in the face of international scrutiny and a deliberate step back from the national political arena, at least for the foreseeable future.
