Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who is detained at The Hague over his drug war that killed thousands, has been elected mayor of his family’s stronghold, according to early, partial results.

Two of his most loyal aides – long-time assistant Christopher “Bong” Go and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, the one-time police chief in charge of enforcing his drug war – have been re-elected to the country’s senate.

But the midterm election, dominated by a spectacular feud between the Duterte and Marcos dynasties, has also thrown up some unexpected results.

The fate of Duterte’s daughter, Vice-President Sara Duterte, remains in the balance as counting continues.

Sara Duterte – who is widely expected to run for president in 2028 – is facing the prospect of a ban from politics should a jury made up of the country’s senate vote to impeach her.

It meant the midterms – which saw 18,000 seats contested, from local officials to governors and senators – became a proxy war between her supporters and her one-time ally, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Candidates supporting either dynasty went head-to-head, with Duterte’s camp seeking the nine senate votes she needs to avoid impeachment.

But an unofficial tally of 68% of the vote suggests it is unclear which way it has gone.

Marcos Jr’s endorsements appear to not have worked as predicted by opinion polls – only one of his candidates, broadcaster Erwin Tulfo, made the top five in the unofficial count.

The rest of the top five was made up of the two Duterte aides and two independents while there is a tight race for the rest of the winning circle of 12.

Instead, the seats appear to have gone to independents.

The vice-president, meanwhile, remains widely popular despite her political troubles, and the president will be leaving office in 2028.

Results so far show the Duterte’s have managed to retain their powerbase in the south of the country – just two months after the 80-year-old populist leader was arrested at Manila Airport and flown to the Netherlands on the same day to face the International Criminal Court.

It was his arrest – approved by Marcos Jr – which pushed the rivalry between his daughter and the current president to boiling point, a few weeks after the president’s allies in the House of Representatives voted to impeach Vice-President Duterte.

The older Duterte was widely expected to win as mayor, given the family has held the post since the mid-1980s.

Duterte himself led Davao, a sprawling southern metropolis, for two decades before he was elected president in 2016. There, he showcased his drug war that he credited for the city’s success, and won him the support of millions far beyond its borders.

His youngest son, Sebastian, the incumbent mayor, was elected vice-mayor, meaning he can discharge his father’s duties in his absence. Another Duterte son, Paolo, was re-elected as congressman. His grandchildren won local posts.

Duterte’s name remained on the ballot as he has not been convicted of any crime. He beat the scion of a smaller rival political family.

Maintaining a political base in Davao city in the south is crucial for the Dutertes – it is where they get the most voter support.

The election was not just a battle between the two families, however.

Monday’s vote saw long queues under temperatures of 33C (91F) and sporadic reports of violence and vote machines malfunctioning.

Like past elections, song-and-dance, showbusiness-style campaigns played out on stage and on social media, underscoring the country’s personality and celebrity politics that sometimes overshadow more pressing issues such as corruption, high cost of living and creaking infrastructure.

The new Pope, Leo XIV, has called in his first Mass at the Vatican for the Catholic Church to “desperately” counter a lack of faith.

Speaking the day after he was elected as the 267th Pope and first US leader of the Church, he warned that people were turning away from faith and instead to “technology, money, success, power, or pleasure”.

Leo said he had been elected to be a “faithful administrator” of a Church that would act as a “beacon that illuminates the dark nights of this world”.

The ascension of Robert Francis Prevost has been celebrated by the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, with joyous outbursts in his US homeland and in Peru, where he served for 20 years.

In his sermon on Friday, the new Pope said there were many settings where the Christian faith was considered “absurd” – with power, wealth, and technology dominating – but it was precisely there that missionary outreach was needed.

“A lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, appalling violations of human dignity, the crisis of the family and so many other wounds that afflict our society,” he said in the address delivered in Italian.

Pope Leo, 69, wore a white papal robe trimmed in gold as he addressed the seated cardinals in the Sistine Chapel, an event broadcast live by the Vatican administration.

In an unscripted introduction before the homily, Leo also called on Church unity from his cardinals, telling them in American-accented English: “I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me”.

Following weeks of anticipation, the previously-unknown Prevost was introduced as the new Pope to the world on Thursday evening in St Peter’s Square.

Tens of thousands of worshippers in the square burst into cheers when white smoke curled out of the Vatican’s chimney on the second day of the conclave’s voting.

Shortly after, the Chicago-born Prevost appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica. In his first words to the crowds he outlined a vision of a “missionary” Church which “builds bridges, which holds dialogues, which is always open”.

He echoed his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, in calling for peace.

“Help us, and each other, to build bridges through dialogue, through encounter, to come together as one people, always in peace,” he said.

World leaders have rushed to congratulate Prevost on his election, pledging to work with him on global issues amid uncertain times. US President Donald Trump called it a “great honour” to have the first American pope.

Prevost, who had previously been the Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru, was only made an archbishop and then cardinal in 2023. He was elected by his fellow cardinals in what is believed to be four rounds of voting in the secret conclave that took place two weeks after Francis died.

He is seen as being aligned with the progressive late Pope, who was viewed as a champion of human rights and the poor and celebrated for his charismatic style that sought to make the Catholic Church more outward-facing.

Vatican watchers have noted that Francis appeared to have brought Prevost to Rome in recent years, perhaps to set him up as a potential successor.

The Augustinian missionary worked for decades with the poor and marginalised in Peru, where he obtained nationality in 2015.

In his previous role as Cardinal Prevost, he had also expressed or amplified criticism of the US administration under President Trump, including its anti-immigration policies.

On an X account under his name, he had criticised Vice President JD Vance in February. Vance, who is a Catholic convert, had said Christians should love their family, neighbours, community and fellow citizens in that order. Prevost had written: “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others”.

As Pope now, he faces a momentous task in leading the Church in a time of significant global conflicts. Observers have expressed hope that he can offer a counterpoint to more divisive voices on the world stage.

His next appearances, at Sunday’s midday Regina Coeli prayer in St Peter’s Basilica and a Monday news conference with journalists, will be closely watched for signs as to which direction he intends to lead the Church and what kind of Pope he will be.

Taken From BBC News

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g3dydj3e3o

Paris (Imran Y. CHOUDHRY) :- Former Press Secretary to the President, Former Press Minister to the Embassy of Pakistan to France, Former MD, SRBC Mr. Qamar Bashir analysis : Saudi Arabia, long recognized as the world’s largest exporter of oil, is now dramatically transforming itself into a multifaceted global power. Driven by ambitious leadership, vast economic resources, and visionary strategic projects, the kingdom is poised to reshape not just its own future but also impact the international community significantly. Central to this transformation is Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), who represents a new era of modernity, economic diversification, and cultural openness.
The modern story of Saudi Arabia began in earnest in the 18th century, with the alliance between Muhammad bin Saud and the religious scholar Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. This partnership unified tribes across the Arabian Peninsula, forming the basis of the contemporary Saudi state. Fast forward to the early 20th century, the discovery of massive oil reserves catapulted the kingdom from a modest regional entity into an economic powerhouse.
The House of Saud, now consisting of more than 25,000 members, is the world’s wealthiest royal family, amassing an estimated fortune exceeding $1.4 trillion. Their wealth far surpasses that of other global powerhouses, including tech giants like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos combined. This immense wealth largely stems from Saudi Aramco, the state-owned oil company that, in 2019, had a capitalization of over $1 trillion, surpassing even major American corporations.
King Salman, who ascended to the throne in 2015, quickly made bold moves to expand Saudi Arabia’s economic presence globally. Two years into his reign, he established the Al Saud Company, a strategic investment entity designed to make multi-billion-dollar acquisitions internationally. Yet the most critical move of his reign was appointing his son, Mohammed bin Salman, as Crown Prince in 2017. At just 39 years old, MBS had a revolutionary vision not merely to manage the kingdom but to fundamentally transform its societal and economic landscape.
MBS introduced Vision 2030, an ambitious national development plan to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy, reducing its reliance on oil and emphasizing technology, tourism, entertainment, and renewable energy. His reforms have significantly reshaped Saudi Arabia’s societal norms, opening avenues previously unimaginable in the deeply conservative kingdom. Allowing women to drive, reopening cinemas, and permitting concerts and cultural events were groundbreaking changes that attracted international attention and energized younger Saudis.
While his modernization drive has been transformative, MBS’s reign has not been without controversy. His rigorous anti-corruption campaign, aimed at recapturing over $100 billion for the state, has faced scrutiny and criticism domestically and internationally. Yet, despite criticisms, MBS’s approach demonstrates a decisive push towards transparency and economic efficiency.
Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification strategy centers around the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which manages a staggering $500 billion in assets. The fund has facilitated significant global acquisitions, including Newcastle United Football Club and stakes in major corporations like Uber, Microsoft, and Lucid Motors. These strategic investments underline Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a leading global financial and technological hub.
The centerpiece of Saudi Arabia’s ambition is undoubtedly NEOM, a futuristic megacity project valued at $500 billion. NEOM aims to house nine million people across a car-free environment facilitated by innovative transport solutions like high-speed rail and flying taxis. It represents Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainability, featuring the world’s largest floating industrial complex, a year-round ski resort, and wellness-focused mountain destinations. This ambitious urban development initiative positions Saudi Arabia at the forefront of global innovation and sustainable living.
The immense wealth of the Saudi royal family manifests in their luxurious lifestyles, showcasing the scale of their global influence. Their residences, such as the iconic Murabba Palace built in the 1930s, have evolved into opulent estates like the Al-Yamama Palace in Riyadh, which boasts hundreds of rooms, marble floors, and gold-plated interiors. Internationally, their property acquisitions, such as the Chateau Louis XIV near Paris, purchased by MBS for $300 million, underscore the magnitude of their luxury spending.
The Saudi royals’ luxurious lifestyle extends far beyond palaces and properties. Their unparalleled collection of luxury vehicles, including MBS’s Pagani Zonda Riviera, valued at $5.5 million, and other supercars like Bugatti and Ferrari, demonstrate an unmatched taste for opulence. Their wealth also translates into extravagant private yachts, most notably MBS’s Serene, a $500 million vessel featuring Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi painting, valued at $450 million.
Despite their lavish spending, the royal family is also deeply involved in philanthropy. Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, one of the family’s most prominent members, pledged his entire $16 billion fortune to charitable causes, highlighting a commitment to social impact and humanitarian work. Their philanthropic efforts extend globally, often intersecting with strategic international diplomacy.
Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on global sports, culture, and entertainment further solidifies its emerging status as a world power. Their creation of LIV Golf, funded by the PIF, aims to challenge established tournaments like the PGA Tour, signifying Saudi ambitions beyond economic influence.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia is actively leading regional megaprojects aimed at redefining urban living and sustainability. Projects such as the floating “Vertical City Dubai,” the “Al Mahara Floating Theater,” and the eco-friendly Jubail Island in Abu Dhabi are designed to showcase the Kingdom’s vision for innovation, luxury, and environmental consciousness. These groundbreaking initiatives demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s aspiration to set new global standards for future cities.
Saudi Arabia’s increasing global investments extend into the realm of artificial intelligence, with a $100 billion initiative designed to position the Kingdom as a leading AI nation by 2030. Through strategic partnerships with global tech leaders and investments in AI research and development, Saudi Arabia is set to become a critical player in the future of global technology, further cementing its role as a multifaceted global power.
As Saudi Arabia continues its rapid transformation under MBS’s leadership, the kingdom stands poised as a multifaceted global power, impacting everything from global finance and technology to culture and international relations. Its blend of strategic economic planning, ambitious infrastructure projects, and bold societal reforms underscore Saudi Arabia’s potential to redefine global geopolitics profoundly. The House of Saud’s evolving legacy demonstrates a remarkable shift from oil-dependent prosperity to becoming a dynamic and influential world power.