Sara Duterte: Only the President’s office can accept Paolo Duterte’s resignation

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte on Monday said only the Office of the President could accept the resignation of her brother, Paolo Duterte, as the vice mayor of their city.

“Nag-resign na si Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte today. While awaiting the acceptance of the resignation, he is on leave from the Office of the Vice Mayor because only the Office of the President can accept the resignation of the Vice Mayor,” Sara told reporters in Davao City after Paolo announced his resignation during the City Council’s special session.

The mayor said that she and their father, President Rodrigo Duterte, knew of Paolo’s plan to resign.

“Yes, the President knew beforehand that the Vice Mayor will resign from his position... Best to ask the President about his reaction [to] the resignation,” she said.

“Once the resignation is accepted, it is deemed effective,” he added.

Although the OP is yet to accept the resignation, Sara said that Paolo is sure of his decision. She added that Paolo’s resignation was beyond her control.

The mayor said that Paolo’s staff would be transferred to her office.

“Sa tanan na mga discussion about sa ingun-ana na—ang sinasabi ko lang lagi sa kanya is that whatever makes him happy sa iyahang personal na kinabuhi,” she said. 

[All discussions about that—I only told him whatever makes him happy in his personal life.]

“These are things that beyond my control… I can only be here for my brother to support him on whatever his decisions may be,” she added.

Sara said Paolo is planning to spend time with his children once he returns to private life. — RSJ, GMA News