Go’s transfer to Lupon, Davao Oriental is seen as his break from the Duterte children and their heirs, now numbering five in political power. With Go’s higher ambitions, his chances of having the city as his baluarte are dim. It will always be in the hands of the Duterte children, who see him as belonging to the opposing Honeylet Avanceña side of the broken family.

With former president Rodrigo Duterte detained in ICC custody, legal uncertainties rose amid unprecedented conditions when he was elected mayor of Davao City in the May 12 midterm elections.

Prominent lawyer Lorna Kapunan said last week’s election showed an enlightened electorate. The results were both an appeal and demand to current as well as aspiring political leaders for respect. It’s a notice as well to the senator-judges in the Duterte impeachment trial.