Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte is now the acting mayor of Davao City.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) directed Baste to assume the role of acting mayor following the temporary legal incapacity of former President Rodrigo Duterte who was proclaimed mayor-elect in absentia in the May 2025 midterm elections.

In a letter dated June 30, 2025, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla invoked Section 46(a) of the Local Government Code, which mandates that the vice mayor shall assume mayoral duties in cases of temporary incapacity, whether physical or legal, of the elected mayor.

“You are hereby enjoined to perform the duties and functions of Mayor of Davao City to prevent paralysis of government operations,” Secretary Remulla said in a letter addressed to Vice Mayor Duterte.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) confirmed earlier the proclamation of the former President as the duly elected mayor despite his absence, citing prevailing legal issues that hinder his assumption to office.

The former President is still detained in The Hague, Netherlands for alleged crimes against humanity charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“In response, the DILG moved decisively to uphold uninterrupted service delivery and local governance in one of the country’s key cities,” DILG said.

Meanwhile, 1st ranked Sangguniang Panlungsod member Rodrigo Duterte II will also assume the role of acting vice mayor.

“This is pursuant to Administrative Order No. 15, series of 2018, which lays down rules on the temporary filling of vacancies in local elective offices,” DILG said.

“The DILG underscores that the 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),” DILG added.