Officials in the Philippines say former President Rodrigo Duterte has registered to run for mayor of his southern home city despite his notorious legacy over his brutal anti-drug crackdown that the International Criminal Court is investigating as a possible crime against humanity.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday filed his candidacy for mayor in his bailiwick, the southern city of Davao, according to his close aide, Senator Bong Go.

Manila: Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte registered his candidacy on Monday to run for mayor of the southern city of Davao in midterm

If elected, the 79-year-old will be expected to serve a six-year term as senator until June 2031.Former President Rodrigo Duterte has formalized his bid as mayor of Davao City in next year's elections,

The filing marks the ex-leader’s return to politics, opting to run for a local post he once held instead of a national seat. His son, incumbent Davao Mayor Sebastian Duterte, filed his candidacy for vice-mayor, GMA News reported separately.