Philippines’ former president Rodrigo Duterte and his family may face challenges in the upcoming midterm elections due to their association with wanted pastor Apollo Quiboloy. Quiboloy, who was named as Duterte’s spiritual adviser during his time in office, is currently facing human trafficking and fraud allegations.
The Duterte clan, including Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio, are expected to run for Senate seats in the next election. However, with the breakdown of the alliance between Duterte-Carpio and President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr, the family may encounter obstacles in their political endeavors.
Recent developments in the case against Quiboloy, including the freezing of assets and arrest warrants for charges such as child abuse and human trafficking, have put pressure on the justice system to take action. Quiboloy has been elusive, with authorities unable to locate him on his property in Davao City.
Analysts believe that the search for Quiboloy should not be viewed as political persecution, as he is facing serious charges both in the US and the Philippines. The ties between Duterte and Quiboloy have shielded the pastor from legal consequences in the past.
While Duterte’s association with Quiboloy has not significantly impacted his popularity in the past, analysts suggest that it could become a vulnerability for him and his allies in the upcoming elections. The increased efforts to capture Quiboloy could benefit Marcos Jnr, whose approval ratings have risen recently.
It remains to be seen how Duterte’s influence will play out in the 2025 polls, especially with the potential implications of Quiboloy’s capture. The ongoing developments in the case highlight the complexities of Philippine politics and the impact of personal relationships on electoral outcomes. As the country gears up for another election cycle, the dynamics between political figures and their associates will continue to shape the landscape of Filipino politics.