By virtue of the law on succession, Sebastian Duterte and Rodrigo Duterte II were sworn in officially as mayor and vice mayor of Davao City on Friday, January 23, 2026.
Regional Trial Court Deputy Executive Judge Marie Estrellita Tolentino-Rojas administered their oath of office.
Davao City Third District Rep. Isidro Ungab, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Davao City Director Mika Chan, and Atty. Martin Delgra also witnessed the oath-taking.
The law of succession was applied after former President Rodrigo Duterte, who won as mayor in the 2025 elections, failed to take his oath.
The former president has been detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague while awaiting trial for alleged crimes against humanity in connection with his war against illegal drugs when he was Davao City mayor and president.
