Baste Duterte to Serve as Acting Mayor of Davao City

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government-Davao City (DILG-Davao City) announced that Vice Mayor-elect Sebastian “Baste” Duterte will serve as acting mayor of Davao City, as Mayor-elect and former President Rodrigo Duterte remains detained in The Hague, Netherlands.

DILG-Davao City Director Vicky Sarcena said that Duterte and other elected officials were officially proclaimed on Tuesday. However, they cannot formally assume office until they have taken their oath.

“In Rodrigo Duterte’s case, an online or Zoom oath-taking is not allowed. The oath must be taken in person,” Sarcena explained.

In the meantime, Vice Mayor-elect Baste Duterte will serve as acting mayor. As for the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Sarcena said the highest-ranking city councilor will serve as acting vice mayor.

She made these remarks during an interview on GMA Super Radio Davao on Thursday, May 15, 2025.

Meanwhile, Senator Chiz Escudero, in a separate interview with national media, said Duterte may still be able to take his oath of office through a Philippine consular office in the Netherlands. He added that a consular official could also visit the detention facility to administer the oath.

Rodrigo Duterte was officially proclaimed mayor-elect of Davao City by the City Board of Canvassers after securing 662,630 votes, defeating Karlo Alexie Nograles and Bishop Rod Cubos.

On May 12, Vice President Sara Duterte, Rodrigo’s daughter, said the former president’s international and local legal teams are discussing possible next steps, including how he could take his oath if he remains in detention.

To recall, the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrested Rodrigo Duterte on March 11, 2025, in connection with crimes against humanity allegedly committed during his presidency. RGP