Davao City Council Undergoes Committee Leadership Reshuffle Following Vice Mayor Oath-Taking
The 21st City Council of Davao has officially updated its committee chairmanships and memberships, a move necessitated by the formal oath-taking of Acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo "Rigo" Duterte. This transition left several key positions vacant, prompting a reorganization in accordance with the Local Government Code's rules of succession.
Vacated Positions and New Appointments
Previously, Duterte held dual roles as chairperson of the Committee on Housing and Subdivision Development under PD 957 and the Committee on Future Generations. With his assumption of the Vice Mayor position, these committees required new leadership. The council swiftly filled these vacancies with Councilor J. Melchor Quitain Jr. taking over the Housing and Subdivision Development Committee and Councilor Bonz Andrei Militar assuming the chairmanship of the Committee on Future Generations, while also overseeing Information Technology.
Comprehensive Committee Assignments
The updated committee structure includes a diverse array of leadership appointments. Councilor Myrna G. L'Dalodo-Ortiz now chairs the Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Industry, and Tourism and Beautification. Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang leads the Committee on Finance, Ways and Means, and Appropriations, and Games and Amusements. Councilor Enzo Villafuerte heads the Committee on Social Services, and Councilor January N. Duterte oversees the Committee on Barangay Affairs.
Additional appointments feature Councilor Jopet Baluran as chairperson of the Committee on Transportation and Communications, Councilor Trisha Ann Villafuerte leading the Committee on Health, and Councilor Datu Pagdatua Demetrio B. Bolo Sr. chairing the Committee on Indigenous Peoples, Cultural Communities, and Muslim Affairs. Councilor Jessica Bonguyan takes charge of the Committee on Public Works and Highways, Councilor Rachel Zozobrado heads the Committee on Migrant Workers, and Councilor Al-Ryan Alejandre leads the Committee on Culture and the Arts.
Creation of New Standing Committee
In a proactive move to enhance municipal services, the City Council approved the creation of a new standing committee on March 24, 2026. This committee aims to provide more efficient and responsive services to meet the evolving needs of Dabawenyos. On the same day, all appointed committee chairpersons formally took their oaths as members and leaders of their respective committees, solidifying their roles in the council's governance structure.
Background and Context of Leadership Changes
This reshuffle follows the official oath-taking of former Acting Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte and former Acting Vice Mayor Rigo Duterte II as Mayor and Vice Mayor of Davao City on January 23, 2026. Their oaths were administered by Regional Trial Court–Davao Region Executive Judge Honorable Marie Estrellita S. Tolentino-Rojas, in compliance with succession laws.
The political landscape in Davao City has been marked by notable developments, including the official proclamation of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as mayor-elect by the City Board of Canvassers after he secured 662,630 votes. However, the elder Duterte has been unable to assume office due to his current presence in The Hague, Netherlands, where he is facing proceedings before the International Criminal Court (ICC). These proceedings are related to alleged crimes against humanity connected to his administration's controversial war on drugs during his presidency.
