DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 17 May)  - The May 9, 2022 election in Davao City was the first after 12 years where the Duterte Dynasty faced challengers who are highly qualified but cannot match their nearly four-decade old political machinery.

Lawyer Ruy Elias Lopez, three-term representative of the third congressional district from 1998 to 2007, filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for mayor against three-term mayor Sara Duterte on the last hour on the last day of filing on October 8, 2021.  Maria Victoria "Mags" Maglana, a much sought-after facilitator and consultant on governance, peace and development, filed her COC shortly before 2 p.m. for Representative of the 1st congressional district against reelectionist Paolo Duterte. 

Both ran as independent candidates.