The Department of the Interior and Local Government in Davao Region (DILG-Davao) has stated it is currently in a holding pattern, awaiting definitive instructions from its central office concerning the official standing of Davao City's Acting Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte and Acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo "Rigo" Duterte II.
Awaiting Central Office and Comelec Decision
Charissa Guerta, the assistant regional director of DILG-Davao, clarified the situation during the Kapehan sa Dabaw forum held on Tuesday, December 1, 2025, at SM City Davao. She explained that the DILG national office has already reached out to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for clarification and is now anticipating its official response.
"We are waiting for updates. We inquired with the central office about their position," Guerta stated. When pressed about a potential timeline for the formal assumption of office by Baste and Rigo, she declined to provide further comment, emphasizing that the agency's subsequent actions will be entirely dependent on the election commission's ruling.
Succession and Council Vacancy
The impending shift in leadership creates a ripple effect in the city's legislative body. Once Rigo Duterte vacates his seat as the first district councilor to assume the vice mayor role, a replacement must be appointed. Guerta pointed out that filling this vacancy will hinge on the political party of the outgoing official, which will be responsible for submitting a nomination.
In a separate statement, Davao City Councilor Alberto Ungab confirmed that no discussions have yet taken place regarding who will succeed Rigo in the 21st City Council. Ungab noted that such consultations would be premature at this stage and that they intend to wait for the city mayor to initiate the process. He added, however, that since Rigo represents the first district, his successor will likely also hail from that area.
Background of the Acting Appointments
The current arrangement stems from a DILG directive issued on June 30. Citing the Local Government Code, the department designated Baste Duterte to perform the duties of city mayor to ensure governmental continuity. This action was taken in light of the temporary incapacity of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to assume the post he won in the 2025 elections.
Following the same succession protocol, Councilor Rigo Duterte, who topped the 2025 polls with 119,324 votes, was named acting vice mayor. Rigo himself has confirmed in interviews that he and his uncle, Baste, are set to formally assume their new positions by the end of 2025, with a joint oath-taking ceremony planned. This follows the former president's decision not to take his oath of office as he faces proceedings at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
The situation remains in flux as all local authorities await the crucial guidance from the national Commission on Elections, which will ultimately determine the next steps for Davao City's leadership.
