Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte becomes acting mayor of Davao City

Vice Mayor Sebastian 'Baste' Duterte automatically became the acting mayor of Davao City following his father Rodrigo Duterte's inability to assume office due to legal issues.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) instructed Baste to take over as mayor on June 30, citing Section 46(a) of the Local Government Code which mandates that in cases of temporary incapacity, whether physical or legal, the vice mayor shall automatically perform the duties and exercise the powers of the mayor.

Rodrigo Duterte remains the mayor-elect but cannot take his oath of office while detained by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.

Duterto's grandson Rodrigo 'Rigo' Duterte II is now serving as acting vice mayor, having won the most votes as city councilor in May’s elections and presiding over the first regular session of the 21st Davao City Council on July 1.

Rodrigo Duterte II said he plans to prioritize legislation on peace and order, improving healthcare, and education while hoping his grandfather will eventually be able to serve his term.