VM Rigo Duterte awaits oath-taking schedule as Davao transitions amid FPRRD’s Absence
DAVAO CITY — Acting Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II said the official date of his and Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte’s oath-taking remains pending, even as the city continues to adjust to the unprecedented situation of having an overwhelmingly elected mayor who cannot assume office.
Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte — who won a resounding mandate as Mayor of Davao City in the May 2025 elections — remains unable to take his post as he continues to be detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
His absence triggered the succession that placed Baste Duterte as acting mayor and Rigo Duterte as acting vice mayor.
Speaking to reporters after the Office of the Vice President’s 90th Anniversary Pop-Up Exhibit launch at SM City Davao, Vice Mayor Duterte said the formal oath-taking for the city’s new leadership team will likely happen before or in December.
“Our lawyer has already informed me when it will likely be, maybe before December or December. I will take my oath together with Mayor Baste,” he said.
‘We talked about it at The Hague’
Vice Mayor Duterte confirmed that former President Duterte has been fully briefed on the upcoming oath-taking during their recent visit to The Hague.
“Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte already knows about the oath-taking. We talked about it at The Hague,” he said, recalling the conversation with his grandfather, who remains committed to staying updated on Davao City affairs despite his detention.
He added that the former President gave him essential guidance on leadership and governance.
“He told me to always prioritize public service in Davao City and throughout the country, and to remain focused on the needs of the people.”
Health and education as top priorities
Once formally sworn in, Vice Mayor Duterte said he intends to focus on two key areas he has consistently observed to be the most urgent concerns of Davaoeños — health and education.
“For health, especially for our senior citizens, and for our children’s education — these are the concerns I’ve seen most in the past months,” he said.
He also credited his experience supporting his father, First District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, for shaping his approach to public service and understanding the needs of communities.
Council seat still under discussion
Vice Mayor Duterte clarified that no discussions have occurred regarding who will fill the council seat he will vacate upon his formal assumption of the vice mayoralty.
He stressed the replacement will definitely come from the local party Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, though no names have been finalized.
When asked whether Veronica “Kitty” Duterte — the former President’s youngest daughter — could take his place, the vice mayor said this matter is yet to be discussed.
“Possible, maybe. But we still have to discuss it within the party,” he said.
As Davao City awaits the formal oath-taking of its acting leaders, local officials continue to navigate the unique political landscape created by the detention of its newly elected mayor.
Despite the uncertainty, the younger Duterte emphasized stability, continuity of service, and adherence to the principles of the city’s long-time leader.
Vice Mayor Rigo Duterte