Sebastian “Baste” Duterte has officially resumed his role as mayor of Davao City after his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, failed to take his oath of office due to his ongoing detention at the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands.
Rodrigo Duterte, who topped the May 2025 elections with more than 660,000 votes, remains in ICC custody over allegations of crimes against humanity. With his absence, the city’s leadership has fallen back to the younger Dutertes.
Baste, who previously served as mayor before running as vice mayor, now takes the helm once again. Meanwhile, Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II, the top vote-getter among city councilors and grandson of the former president, has stepped in as vice mayor and presiding officer of the city council.
Rigo, son of Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, admitted feeling nervous as he led the city council’s first regular session on July 1.
“I think it was not bad,” he said, after chairing the session. He expressed hope that his grandfather could still take office someday. “Kay mao jud na akong gusto nga si Tiyo Baste ang presiding officer, unya akong lolo ang mahimong mayor,” he added, reflecting the family’s original plan.
The Duterte family’s presence in Davao politics continues to grow, with Rigo’s brother Omar now representing the city’s 2nd District in Congress.
