DILG: Baste Duterte is acting Davao City mayor

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) instructed Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte to assume the role of acting mayor as his father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, is still detained in the Netherlands.

In a statement, the DILG said Baste will take over as mayor in the city due to the “temporary legal incapacity” of his father, who was proclaimed mayor-elect in absentia.

“You are hereby enjoined to perform the duties and functions of Mayor of Davao City to prevent paralysis of government operations,” Secretary Jonvic Remulla said in a letter to Baste dated June 30.

Citing Section 46(a) of the Local Government Code, the DILG said that in cases of temporary incapacity, whether physical or legal, the vice mayor shall automatically perform the duties and exercise the powers of the mayor.

Earlier, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) confirmed the proclamation of the former president as mayor of Davao City despite his absence.

The DILG, meanwhile, also designated first-ranked Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Rodrigo Duterte II as acting vice mayor, pursuant to Administrative Order No. 15, series of 2018.

According to the DILG, its action is both legal and necessary to ensure continuity of leadership in Davao City amid ongoing legal proceedings involving the former president before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Philippine authorities on March 11 assisted Interpol in serving a warrant of arrest from the ICC against Duterte for crimes against humanity in connection with his drug war.

After his arrest, Duterte was transported to The Hague in the Netherlands.

Duterte, on March 13 (Philippine time), entered the Hague Penitentiary Institution, or the Scheveningen Prison. —VAL, GMA Integrated News