Davao City, October 8, 2024 – A high-stakes political battle is set to unfold in Davao City as former Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles officially filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for mayor, challenging former President Rodrigo Duterte for the city’s top post. In a parallel move, Karlo’s cousin, Migs Nograles, filed her COC for the congressional seat in Davao City’s First District, positioning her against incumbent Congressman Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, the eldest son of the former president.
The filing of the Nograles cousins’ candidacies marks the latest chapter in the long-running rivalry between the Duterte and Nograles political clans, a feud that has shaped Davao’s political landscape for decades.
The Duterte-Nograles Political Rivalry
The rivalry between the Dutertes and the Nograleses dates back to the 1980s when the late House Speaker Prospero “Boy” Nograles, Karlo’s father, first entered Davao City politics. Prospero Nograles was a dominant figure in Davao’s political scene, serving as a longtime representative of the city’s First District and as House Speaker during the administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. However, his political ambitions often collided with the rise of the Dutertes, led by Rodrigo Duterte, who served as Davao City mayor for over two decades.
The rivalry became particularly intense in the early 2000s when Rodrigo Duterte and Prospero Nograles faced off in several highly contested mayoral elections. Duterte, running on a platform of law and order, consistently defeated Nograles, solidifying his family’s grip on Davao City politics. Despite their losses, the Nograles family remained influential in the city, maintaining their stronghold in the First District congressional seat.
In recent years, the political rivalry had somewhat softened, with Karlo Nograles serving in President Duterte’s cabinet as Cabinet Secretary and Civil Service Commission Chair. However, this latest development signals a renewed contest for power in Davao City, pitting two of the city’s most prominent political dynasties against each other once again.
A High-Stakes 2025 Election
Karlo Nograles, who has long been seen as a potential candidate for higher office, enters the mayoral race with a strong political background. His experience in national government, as well as his work in Davao, gives him a solid platform. However, his opponent is none other than Rodrigo Duterte, who remains a political giant not only in Davao but across the nation. Duterte’s tenure as mayor has left an indelible mark on the city, and his return to local politics after serving as the country’s president is expected to draw significant support.
Meanwhile, Migs Nograles’ bid for the First District congressional seat against Paolo “Pulong” Duterte is another key race to watch. Pulong Duterte has held the position since 2019 and is known for his strong ties to his father’s political network. Migs Nograles, a lawyer and former representative herself, will be drawing from her family’s legacy in the district and aims to challenge the Duterte stronghold.
Davao’s Future at Stake
The outcome of these elections could significantly alter the political landscape of Davao City. A victory for the Nograles family could end decades of Duterte dominance, while a Duterte victory would reinforce their continued control over the city.
Political analysts believe that the rivalry between the two families reflects the broader shifts in Philippine politics, with dynasties continuing to play a central role in electoral contests. The 2025 elections in Davao City, therefore, represent not only a contest between two families but also a pivotal moment in determining the future direction of leadership in one of the country’s most important cities.
As the campaign season unfolds, all eyes will be on Davao City as it becomes the battleground for one of the most anticipated political clashes in recent history.
