Polong Duterte vs. Migs Nograles: A New Battle in Davao’s Political War

By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo — October 23, 2024

SINCE the 1980s, the Dutertes and the Nograleses have battled for control of Davao City. Rodrigo Duterte, with his tough stance on crime, gradually overcame the Nograles family, solidifying his dominance over the city. His legacy as an anti-drug crusader didn’t just win him six terms as mayor—it took him to the presidency in 2016.

The Nograles family, led by Prospero Nograles, never fully recovered from their electoral defeats. Though they managed to stay relevant, the Duterte family’s political empire continued to eclipse them. Now, the rivalry passes on to the next generation: Paolo Duterte and Margarita Nograles. The 2025 race for Davao City’s 1st District seat in Congress promises to reignite the bitter political feud between these two clans.

The Drug Test Challenge: A Strategic Gambit?

Paolo Duterte’s challenge to his rival, Margarita Nograles, to undergo a hair follicle drug test appears at first glance to be a bold, transparency-driven move. Duterte, following in the footsteps of his father’s relentless anti-drug rhetoric, seeks to position himself as a leader beyond reproach, capable of proving his integrity through public acts of personal accountability. He offers his hair—quite literally—as proof of his cleanliness from drugs, a symbolic gesture meant to align with the anti-drug crusade that made his father both a hero and a divisive figure.

But beneath the surface of this spectacle lies a more calculated play. Paolo Duterte’s challenge forces Nograles into a corner: she must either comply or face the insinuation that she has something to hide. Her quick acceptance of the challenge reflects her awareness of this political trap. By agreeing to the drug test, she not only neutralizes the potential damage but also turns the tables on Duterte, calling for a new, simultaneous test to highlight the age of his results and to remind voters that true accountability cannot rest on months-old evidence.

Drug Testing: A Balanced Perspective

From one perspective, the drug test challenge serves the public interest. Given the long-standing concern over the Philippines’ drug problem, voters may view such tests as a necessary step for ensuring that their leaders are beyond reproach, particularly in a city where the Duterte name has become synonymous with anti-narcotics policies. Paolo Duterte’s challenge and willingness to undergo further tests could be seen as a proactive measure, setting a high bar for transparency and trustworthiness.

On the other hand, critics may see this as political theater. While drug testing provides a symbolic assurance, it does little to address the systemic issues of corruption, governance, or policy-making that should be at the heart of a congressional campaign. Voters could argue that such a spectacle distracts from more substantive discussions about how these candidates plan to address Davao’s economic needs, healthcare deficiencies, or infrastructure challenges.

Moreover, the timing of the challenge raises suspicions of political opportunism. Paolo Duterte’s drug test was conducted two months prior to his challenge, raising the question: why now? Was this test merely pre-positioning for a future attack, allowing Duterte to use it as a political weapon at a critical moment?

Beyond the Drug Test: What Really Matters to Voters

As the drug test saga unfolds, both candidates must confront a deeper reality: the issues that truly matter to the voters of Davao go beyond sensational stunts. Surveys in the Philippines reveal that Filipinos care deeply about job creation, economic growth, and the fight against corruption. Voters are looking for legislators who can deliver on their promises, create jobs, boost investment, and ensure quality healthcare and education. They expect transparency not just in personal conduct, but in governance and fiscal responsibility.

Both Paolo Duterte and Margarita Nograles must demonstrate that they can rise to these expectations. Beyond drug tests, what are their concrete plans for economic growth? How do they intend to address Davao’s needs for better healthcare, more job opportunities, and improved infrastructure? These are the real tests that voters will scrutinize.

The Challenge of a Debate: Words Over Tests

If there is one arena where this rivalry must truly be fought, it is not in laboratories with hair follicles but on the debate stage, where ideas, policies, and leadership qualities can be tested in real time. A public debate between Duterte and Nograles would allow voters to see beyond the pageantry of drug testing and focus on their platforms. Can Paolo Duterte offer more than just his family’s legacy? Will Margarita Nograles prove herself a credible alternative, capable of breaking the Duterte hold over Davao City politics?

A debate would challenge both candidates to articulate clear, actionable solutions to the issues that matter most: peace and order, job creation, and the fight against corruption. It would allow voters to see how these rivals think on their feet, how they respond to criticism, and how deeply they understand the challenges facing their constituents.

Moving Forward: Recommendations for Both Candidates Beyond the Drug Test

To truly prove themselves, both Duterte and Nograles should pivot away from the sensationalism of the drug test and focus on substance:

Develop and Present Detailed Platforms: Both candidates should offer clear policy proposals addressing the economic needs of Davao City. Job creation, healthcare reform, and corruption must be central to their platforms.
Engage in Public Debates: A structured, issue-focused debate would allow voters to evaluate the candidates on their ideas and leadership qualities, not just their personal behavior.
Demonstrate Community Engagement: Both candidates should engage more with their constituents through town hall meetings and community dialogues, actively listening to the concerns of the people and reflecting these in their campaigns.
Show Accountability Beyond Drug Tests: Transparency should extend to all areas of governance. Both candidates should pledge to publicly disclose their assets and liabilities and to regularly report on the progress of their policy initiatives.

As Davao looks to the future, the question is no longer about who can outlast the other in a family feud. It’s about who can lead with vision, compassion, and the courage to chart a new path for the city. The real test of leadership will be in who can finally move beyond the past and deliver a future that Davao deserves.