Sebastian 'Baste' Duterte Officially Sworn In as Mayor of Davao City
In a formal ceremony held on Friday, January 23, 2026, Sebastian "Baste" Duterte officially took his oath as the new mayor of Davao City. This significant event marks a permanent transition in the city's leadership, with the younger Duterte stepping into the role previously held by his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Filling the Vacant Seat Amidst Family Legacy
The position had been left vacant as the elder Duterte remains detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention facility in The Hague, Netherlands. He is awaiting trial on charges of crimes against humanity, which prevented him from assuming the mayoral office after being elected in the 2025 midterm elections.
During that election, Baste Duterte was elected as Vice Mayor, while his nephew, Rodrigo Duterte II, secured the highest number of votes for city councilor. Since June 30, 2025, Baste had been serving as the Acting Mayor, temporarily filling the gap left by his father's inability to take office.
Simultaneous Oath-Taking Ceremony
The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by Regional Trial Court XI Deputy Executive Judge Marie Estrellita S. Tolentino-Rojas. It was a dual event, as Baste Duterte's assumption of the mayoral role created a vacancy in the vice mayor position. Consequently, his nephew, Rodrigo Duterte II, was also sworn in on the same day to take over as the new Vice Mayor of Davao City.
This development solidifies the Duterte family's continued influence in local politics, with multiple members now holding key positions in the city government. The transition underscores the ongoing political dynamics in Davao City, amidst the international legal challenges faced by the former president.
