Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte and Acting Vice Mayor Rigo Duterte are set to take their oath as the official mayor and vice mayor of the city before the end of 2025.

Under Section 11 of the Omnibus Election Code, the office of any elected official may be considered vacant if they fail to take their oath within six months of proclamation.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was proclaimed mayor in the May 13, 2025 elections, has yet to take his oath due to his arrest on March 11, 2025, in connection with a warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity. He is still detained in The Hague, Netherlands, as of this writing.

While there is an exemption for officials unable to take their oath “for a cause” or beyond their control, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has earlier explained that the former President’s situation does not fall under such exemptions.

Under Section 44 of the Local Government Code, the vice mayor assumes the role of local chief executive automatically while the top-ranking councilor becomes the vice mayor.

No replacement has been identified yet for the vacant city council seat left by Rigo, as of this writing.

“Wala pay sa kung kinsa ang magpuli,” Rigo said.

Rigo said among his priorities as vice mayor include healthcare and education.