The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte to assume the duties of mayor, following the temporary legal incapacity of his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Citing Section 46(a) of the Local Government Code, the DILG stated that in cases of temporary incapacity—whether physical or legal—the vice mayor shall automatically perform the duties and exercise the powers of the mayor.
"You are hereby enjoined to perform the duties and functions of Mayor of Davao City to prevent paralysis of government operations," wrote DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla in a letter dated June 30, addressed to Vice Mayor Duterte.
Earlier, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) confirmed the proclamation of former President Duterte as mayor of Davao City despite his absence, citing prevailing legal issues that prevent him from assuming office.
"In response, the DILG moved decisively to uphold uninterrupted service delivery and local governance in one of the country’s key cities," the Department said.
In line with this, the DILG also designated 1st Ranked Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Rodrigo Duterte II as Acting Vice Mayor, in accordance with Administrative Order No. 15, series of 2018, which lays out the rules on the temporary filling of vacancies in local elective offices.
The DILG underscored that the action is both legal and necessary to ensure continuity of leadership in Davao City amid ongoing legal proceedings involving the former president before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Former President Rodrigo Duterte is currently in custody at The Hague, Netherlands, after being arrested in March 2025 on the basis of an ICC warrant.
He faces charges of crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, rape, and obstruction of justice. The alleged crimes occurred between 2011 and 2019, during which time the Philippines was still under ICC jurisdiction.
His confirmation-of-charges hearing is scheduled for September 23–26, 2025.
On Tuesday, it was reported that Duterte's lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, said they are anticipating the ICC to release its decision on the former president's request for interim release by the end of July.
