DAVAO CITY (December 4) – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Monday that the status of Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II as Davao City’s acting mayor and vice mayor remains pending, underscoring that no official determination has been made while the agency awaits guidance from its central office.
Charissa Guerta, assistant regional director of DILG-Davao, said the regional office has sought clarification from Manila amid questions over succession following former president Rodrigo Duterte’s failure to assume the mayoral post.
“We have inquired with the central office on their stand on the matter,” Guerta said at the Kapehan sa Dabaw forum, noting that any formal pronouncement will only come once national guidelines are issued.
Party decision seen as crucial in succession
Guerta declined to comment on speculation that Veronica “Kitty” Duterte could fill the vice mayoral seat, stressing that the selection process is not for DILG to decide.
“It depends on the political party. I cannot comment on whoever is being mentioned as a possible replacement. For cities and municipalities, the political party to which the elected official belongs is the deciding body,” she said.
She added that the party must submit a formal nomination for Rigo Duterte’s replacement once his assumption as full vice mayor triggers a vacancy. “Whoever the party nominates—that will be the person considered.”
Councilor Alberto Ungab, chair of the city council’s appointments and reorganization committee, earlier said that the successor must come from the first district.
Governance implications amid Duterte family transitions
The pending clarification leaves Davao City’s political transition in a holding pattern as the Duterte family manages shifts in key posts.
Acting Vice Mayor Rigo Duterte has said he will formally assume the vice mayoralty before December, following his grandfather’s inability to take his oath as mayor.
This development places Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte in the position of acting mayor—and eventual city chief executive once the succession is finalized.
Legal observers note that the DILG’s caution reflects the need to follow due process and ensure clear, rule-based procedures in local governance—particularly in high-profile transitions where political clans wield significant influence.
The agency’s forthcoming guidance is expected to clarify the legal basis of the succession chain and ensure continuity of local services while safeguarding transparency and public accountability.
