Acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo "Rigo" Duterte II is preparing for his formal oath-taking ceremony expected in December 2025, emphasizing his commitment to prioritize the welfare of Dabawenyos and the broader Filipino public during this transitional period.
Guidance from a Political Patriarch
Speaking to reporters at the Office of the Vice President's 90th Anniversary Pop-Up Exhibit at SM City Davao on November 17, 2025, Duterte revealed that he continues to draw guidance from his grandfather, former President Rodrigo Duterte, despite the latter's current detention in The Hague over alleged human rights violations.
The young Duterte shared his grandfather's advice in the local vernacular: "Tarunga lang gyud, ayaw lang kalimti ang mga tao sa Davao ug sa Philippines. Advice pud niya kay bag-o pa man ko, unsang tamang buhaton para sa Davao." This translates to his grandfather urging him to perform his duties properly and never forget the people of Davao and the Philippines, with specific guidance on what constitutes right action for the city.
Six Months of Observation Shapes Agenda
Having served as acting vice mayor for six months, Duterte identified two urgent issues that will form the cornerstone of his agenda once formally sworn in. "Syempre, health ug education para sa mga bata akoa priority. I have been acting vice mayor for six months ug kana jud akoang nakita na problema," he stated, emphasizing that healthcare and children's education emerged as persistent concerns during his initial months in office.
When pressed for specifics, the acting vice mayor highlighted vulnerable sectors as central to his governance approach. "Sa mga senior, sa mga PWD, kana gyud akoang priorities" - confirming that senior citizens and persons with disabilities will receive particular attention under his leadership.
According to his observations from interacting with constituents, the most common concerns involve healthcare access, assistance for senior citizens, services for persons with disabilities, and improved educational support for children. These identified needs will directly inform the policies he intends to advance under Davao City's new leadership configuration.
Political Heritage and Future Plans
Duterte pointed to his years assisting his father, First District Rep. Paolo "Pulong" Duterte, as formative experiences that exposed him to grassroots concerns and taught him the importance of responsive local governance.
Regarding his upcoming formal assumption of the vice mayoralty, Duterte confirmed that discussions about filling his vacated city council seat remain pending. He stressed that the replacement will come from Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, the dominant local political party that has historically shaped Davao City's political landscape.
When questioned about whether Veronica "Kitty" Duterte - the former president's youngest daughter - is under consideration for the position, he acknowledged the possibility while maintaining that any decision remains speculative at this stage. "Possible, maybe. But we still have to discuss it within the party," he responded cautiously.
Rigo Duterte officially assumed his role as the city's second-highest ranking official on July 1, 2025, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government. This appointment coincided with Sebastian "Baste" Duterte's designation as acting mayor under Section 46(a) of the Local Government Code, which permits the vice mayor to assume mayoral duties during periods of temporary legal incapacity.
The DILG named Rigo - then the highest-ranking city councilor - as acting vice mayor pursuant to Administrative Order No. 15 (2018), which governs temporary appointments to local elective positions. On his first day in office, he presided over the first regular session of the 21st City Council.
National officials described these appointments as necessary to ensure governance continuity in Davao City while his grandfather remains unable to assume the mayoral position due to detention abroad. His father, Congressman Paolo Duterte, subsequently encouraged him to "earn Dabawenyos' trust" and demonstrate his worthiness for the responsibility entrusted to him.
As the city anticipates its leadership's formal transition, Duterte maintains that his focus remains fixed on addressing the daily realities confronting Davao residents. He emphasized that his role, whether acting or formally confirmed, anchors itself on service rather than title.
The months he has spent in office have revealed both longstanding community needs and emerging challenges, insights he intends to leverage as foundational elements for the programs he hopes to pursue once the new administration officially installs.
