The Duterte Family of
Davao stands as one of the most influential political dynasties in the Philippines, with a legacy deeply rooted in public service, business ventures, and a prominent position within Mindanao's elite society. the Duterte family traces its roots to Danao, Cebu.
Vicente Duterte, a lawyer from Cebu, migrated to Davao in the mid-20th century and served as governor of the undivided
Davao (province). The family's move from the Visayas to Mindanao reflects broader internal migration trends during that era.
Today, the Duterte surname is associated with public service, regional leadership, and a legacy of civic involvement, especially in Mindanao.
Political legacy and leadership
The family's political journey began with
Vicente Duterte, who served as the governor of the then-unified Davao province in 1959. His commitment to public service laid the foundation for the family's enduring political involvement.
Rodrigo Duterte
Rodrigo Roa Duterte (, ; born March 28, 1945) is a Filipino lawyer and politician who served as the 16th president of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022. He is the first Philippine president from Mindanao, and is the oldest person to assum ...
, Vicente's son, emerged as a significant political figure, serving multiple terms as
mayor of Davao City
The mayor of Davao City () is the chief executive of the government of Davao City in Davao Region, Philippines. The mayor leads the city's departments in executing ordinances and delivering public services. The mayorship is a three-year term and ...
before becoming the 16th
President of the Philippines
The president of the Philippines (, sometimes referred to as ) is the head of state, head of government and chief executive of the Philippines. The president leads the executive branch of the Philippine government and is the commander-in-ch ...
in 2016. His leadership in Davao was marked by initiatives that transformed the city into a model of governance, emphasizing law and order, efficient public services, and economic development.
Continuing the family's political tradition, Rodrigo's children have held various public offices:
Sara Duterte
Sara Zimmerman Duterte-Carpio (, ; born May 31, 1978), commonly known as Inday Sara, is a Filipino lawyer and politician who is the 15th and current vice president of the Philippines. She is the third female vice president (after Gloria Macap ...
, served as vice mayor (2007–2010) and mayor (2010–2013, 2016–2022) of Davao City. In 2022, she was elected as the 15th
Vice President of the Philippines
The vice president of the Philippines (, also referred to as ) is the second-highest official in the executive branch of the Philippine government and is the first in the presidential line of succession. The vice president is directly elect ...
.
Paolo Duterte
Paolo "Pulong" Zimmerman Duterte (; ; born March 24, 1975) is a Filipino businessman and politician serving as the representative of Davao City's 1st district since 2019, and served as a House Deputy Speaker during the 18th Congress. Prior ...
, held positions as barangay captain, vice mayor, and currently serves as a congressman representing Davao City's 1st district.
Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, assumed the role of Davao City mayor in 2022, focusing on digitalization and infrastructure projects.
Social standing in Mindanao's elite
The Dutertes are considered part of Mindanao's "''alta sociedad''," a term denoting the region's social elite. Their longstanding political dominance, business ventures, and alliances with influential families have solidified their status within this exclusive circle. Duterte family's multifaceted role in shaping the political, economic, and social landscape of Davao and the broader Mindanao region.
Business ventures and economic interests
Beyond politics, the Duterte family has established various business interests, primarily in the food and hospitality sectors:
Sara Duterte
Sara Zimmerman Duterte-Carpio (, ; born May 31, 1978), commonly known as Inday Sara, is a Filipino lawyer and politician who is the 15th and current vice president of the Philippines. She is the third female vice president (after Gloria Macap ...
: Involved in companies like City Hall King Chow Foods Corp and Davao Emerging Taipans Corp, focusing on food services and catering.
Paolo Duterte
Paolo "Pulong" Zimmerman Duterte (; ; born March 24, 1975) is a Filipino businessman and politician serving as the representative of Davao City's 1st district since 2019, and served as a House Deputy Speaker during the 18th Congress. Prior ...
: Associated with multiple businesses, including Grand MD Business Dev. Corporation and Jolly General Foods Corp, spanning food services and other ventures.
Additionally, the family has connections with prominent businessmen like
Dennis Uy, founder of
Udenna Corporation
Udenna Corporation operates as a holding company. The Company distributes and retails petroleum products and lubricants, engages in shipping and logistics services, operates in property development, education, food, gaming, tourism, infrastructu ...
, which expanded rapidly during Rodrigo Duterte's presidency.
See also
*
List of political families in the Philippines
The following is a list of notable political families of the Philippines and their areas of influence. Names in bold indicate the individual was/is a president of the Philippines.
The Philippine political arena is mainly arranged and operated by ...
*
Davao Death Squad
The Davao Death Squad (DDS) is a death squad group in Davao City, Philippines. The group is alleged to have conducted summary executions of street children and individuals suspected of petty crimes and drug dealing. It has been estimated that ...
*
Philippine drug war
The Philippine drug war, also referred to as the Philippine war on drugs, is the intensified drug policy, anti-drug campaign initiated during Duterte administration, the administration of Rodrigo Duterte, who served as President of the Philipp ...
References
{{Political Dynasties of the Philippines
Political families of the Philippines
Davao City
Rodrigo Duterte