The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will determine whether former President Rodrigo Duterte can assume his post as Davao City mayor, following his victory in the May 2025 elections.
According to Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairperson George Garcia, the agency has no jurisdiction over Duterte’s assumption of office and is deferring the matter to the DILG.
By law, newly elected officials are expected to take their oaths and assume office at 12:01 p.m. on June 30. However, Duterte’s case remains uncertain due to his detention at The Hague, where he is facing proceedings before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Earlier, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed coordination with the ICC regarding a possible remote oath-taking for Duterte, despite his current incarceration.
If Duterte remains unable to assume office, his elected vice mayor—incumbent Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte—will serve as the acting mayor of Davao City.
As of now, there is no official announcement from the DILG on whether Duterte will be allowed to take office.
