Manila: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced on Monday that it is coordinating with the International Criminal Court (ICC) to arrange the oath-taking of former president Rodrigo Duterte, who recently won the Davao City mayoral race, even though he remains in detention in The Hague on charges of crimes against humanity.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed the government's recognition of Duterte’s sweeping victory in the May 2025 elections and said they are working on the logistics of administering his oath while he is held overseas.
“We acknowledge the democratic mandate given to Mayor-elect Duterte by the people of Davao. We will initiate communication with the ICC to explore options, including the possibility of dispatching a Philippine consul to The Hague to swear him into office,” Remulla told members of the press.
According to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Duterte secured a resounding win with 662,630 votes, far outpacing his nearest competitor, former Civil Service Commission chair Karlo Nograles, who garnered 80,852 votes. Other candidates, including Bishop Rod Cubos, Jonathan Julaine, and Joselito Ran, received minimal support.
This outcome marks a continuation of the Duterte political dynasty in Davao City, where Rodrigo Duterte previously served as mayor for over two decades. His daughter, now Vice President Sara Duterte, and his son, current Mayor Sebastian Duterte, have also held the post in recent years. Sebastian, who won as vice mayor in the latest polls, will assume the role of acting mayor.
“While Mayor-elect Duterte cannot currently fulfill the duties of the position due to his incarceration, the Local Government Code provides that the vice mayor shall temporarily take over,” Remulla explained, referencing provisions for temporary incapacity under Section 46(a).
Remulla emphasized that while Sebastian Duterte will serve as acting mayor, his authority will be restricted unless the absence of the mayor exceeds 30 working days.
Duterte's official assumption of office hinges on his ability to take the oath, which under current circumstances requires permission from the ICC.
The DILG has formally proposed that a Philippine consul administer the oath at Scheveningen Prison, but they are still awaiting a response from international authorities.
Duterte was arrested on March 11 by Philippine law enforcement executing an ICC warrant and was subsequently transferred to the Netherlands. The former president faces charges related to his controversial anti-drug campaign, which has been linked to widespread human rights violations.
Despite the legal challenges, the former president's resounding electoral win signals strong support in his hometown, reigniting political debate on both domestic governance and international justice.
