Comelec: Duterte remains Davao mayor candidate despite arrest

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) confirmed Wednesday that former President Rodrigo Duterte remains a candidate for Davao City mayor despite his arrest and transfer to The Hague, Netherlands.

Under the Omnibus Election Code, an individual with a pending case stays as a candidate until there is a final conviction carrying disqualification under Philippine law.

Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity related to his deadly drug war crackdown and was arrested after Interpol received an arrest warrant from the ICC on Tuesday, March 11.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia stated that Duterte remains a candidate because only withdrawal or a final conviction can remove him from candidacy.

Commissioner Ernesto Maceda Jr. added at Kapihan sa Manila Bay Wednesday that Duterte is still eligible to campaign while overseas and votes cast in his favor will be considered valid.

Garcia emphasized that the arrest does not automatically disqualify Duterte, and Comelec will only act on a formal petition for disqualification under Supreme Court jurisprudence.

The chairperson also noted that if Duterte were elected, he could potentially serve while abroad unless there is a final conviction or death.