Duterte Sons Formally Assume Davao City Leadership Roles
In a significant political transition, Sebastian "Baste" Z. Duterte and Rodrigo "Rigo" S. Duterte II officially took their oaths as Mayor and Vice Mayor of Davao City, respectively, on Friday, January 23, 2026. The formal ceremony marked the culmination of a succession process triggered by the inability of mayor-elect former President Rodrigo Duterte to assume office following his arrest by the International Criminal Court.
Ceremony and Witnesses
The oath-taking event was held at Davao City Hall and administered by Regional Trial Court Branch XI Deputy Executive Judge Marie Estrellita S. Tolentino-Rojas. The occasion was witnessed by prominent city officials and local leaders, including:
- Third District Congressman Isidro Ungab
- Department of the Interior and Local Government Davao City Director Mika Chan
- Lawyer Martin Delgra
In a Facebook post following the ceremony, Congressman Ungab expressed gratitude for being invited to what he described as a "historic occasion" for Davao City.
Background and Succession Process
The leadership transition became necessary after former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was officially proclaimed mayor-elect with 662,630 votes, could not take his oath of office. The elder Duterte is currently facing proceedings before the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, related to alleged crimes against humanity during his administration's controversial war on drugs.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government had previously directed Sebastian Duterte to perform mayoral functions through a letter dated June 30, 2025, citing Section 46(a) of the Local Government Code. This legal provision allows for temporary designations when elected officials cannot assume office.
Similarly, Rodrigo Duterte II was designated as acting vice mayor after receiving the highest number of votes among city councilors with 119,324 votes.
Statements from the New Leaders
Following the ceremony, Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II issued a statement confirming he would resume his role as presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and as the city's second-highest elected official. He expressed appreciation to Dabawenyos for their continued support and trust in the Duterte family.
"Padayon mi sa pagserbisyo sa dakbayan, uban ang integridad ug responsibilidad (We will continue to serve the city with integrity and responsibility)," he declared, emphasizing his commitment to public service.
Public Reaction and Expectations
Numerous Davao City residents expressed optimism about the new leadership. Neil John Ang, a resident of Barangay Talomo Proper, stated he has high hopes for Sebastian and Rodrigo, believing they will continue the legacy and policies established by former President Duterte.
"I would've wanted to see more of his works this year, but due to some events, I understand that he will not be able to act on his duties," Ang commented regarding the former president's absence from local governance.
Annalie Rañesses from Toril shared similar sentiments, expressing happiness about the formal installation and confidence that development would continue under the new leadership despite current challenges facing the city.
Vacant Councilor Position
With Rodrigo Duterte II's assumption of the vice mayor role, a vacant seat now exists in the Davao City Council. Councilor Sweet Advincula, floor leader of the 21st City Council, indicated that no decision has been made regarding a replacement as of the oath-taking date.
Councilor Alberto Ungab, who chairs the Committee on Appointments and Reorganization, noted that any recommendation would need to come from the mayor and that no formal consultations had taken place by late November 2025.
While rumors have circulated about Veronica "Kitty" Duterte, the youngest daughter of former President Duterte, potentially filling the vacant councilor position, no official discussions have occurred according to available information.
