Baste Duterte takes oath as Davao City mayor

DAVAO CITY–Sebastian “Baste” Duterte took his oath as Davao City mayor on Friday, permanently taking over the seat of his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained in The Hague.

Duterte was elected vice mayor in the midterm elections last year, alongside his father and nephew Rodrigo II, who received the highest number of votes for city councilor.

At noon on June 30, 2025, the older Duterte was not able to assume office due to his continuing detention while awaiting trial before the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity charges. This thrust his son into the seat.

READ: Baste Duterte to serve as Davao’s acting mayor, DILG affirms

On Friday, Rodrigo II also took his oath as Vice Mayor, a seat permanently vacated by his uncle. 

It was Regional Trial Court XI Deputy Executive Judge Marie Estrellita S. Tolentino-Rojas who administered the oath of office of both men.

Apart from a handful of family members, the ceremony at City Hall was attended by Duterte allies Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab and lawyer Martin Delgra./coa