From Acting to Official, Baste Duterte Now Leads Davao City
Sebastian “Baste” Duterte has officially taken his oath as the new mayor of Davao City, assuming the post alongside his nephew, Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II, who was sworn in as the city’s new vice mayor.
Photo Source: @City Government of Davao FB
“Acting Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte and Acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo S. Duterte II officially took their oaths, by law of succession, as Mayor and Vice Mayor of Davao City, respectively, on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Davao City Hall,”
read the caption accompanying the images.
The ceremony was administered by Regional Trial Court (RTC) XI Deputy Executive Judge Honorable Marie Estrellita S. Tolentino-Rojas, who led the swearing-in rites for both officials.
“RTC XI Deputy Executive Judge Honorable Marie Estrellita S. Tolentino-Rojas administered the oaths of office to both officials,”
Several key local officials were present during the event to witness the oath-taking. Among those in attendance were Congressman Isidro Ungab, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Davao City Director Mika Chan, and lawyer Martin Delgra, signaling institutional support and continuity within the city’s leadership.
Photo Source: @City Government of Davao FB
The case against the former president is connected to allegations of human rights violations linked to the controversial war on drugs campaign, which reportedly took place between 2011 and 2019. These allegations have drawn international attention and scrutiny.
Earlier this month, the International Criminal Court renewed its call for individuals who claim to be victims of the anti-drug campaign to come forward and provide testimonies as part of its ongoing investigation.
“The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court is investigating allegations of crimes against humanity perpetrated in the Philippines, including killings, torture and sexual violence, as part of the so-called War on Drugs campaign between November 2011 and March 2019,”
As Davao City moves forward under its new leadership, public attention remains divided between local governance and the unfolding international case involving one of the country’s most prominent political figures.
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