Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte has been officially designated as the Acting Mayor of Davao City, following the declaration of temporary legal incapacity of Mayor-elect Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) confirmed the move, citing Section 46(a) of the Local Government Code, which states that the vice mayor shall assume the duties of the mayor in such instances.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla explained that the appointment is intended to prevent any disruption in local government operations.
In a related move, the DILG also appointed Rodrigo Duterte II, the top-ranked member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, as Acting Vice Mayor. This was made in accordance with Administrative Order No. 15, series of 2018.
The appointments come as former President Rodrigo Duterte (FPRRD), who recently secured the mayoral seat in Davao City, faces ongoing legal proceedings before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The DILG assured the public that the decisions were made in line with the law and are aimed at ensuring continuity in public service and leadership in Davao City during the legal proceedings involving FPRRD.
