DAVAO City Vice Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte took his oath of office at the Sangguniang Panlungsod on Friday afternoon, June 27, 2025, promising to pour a substantial budget on education for Dabawenyo students.
Duterte was accompanied by his sister and vice president, Sara, his mother, Elizabeth Zimmerman, his partner Kate Necesario, and nephews Omar and Rigo.
His oath-taking was presided over by Associate Justice Jill Rose Jaugan-Lo.
Duterte, during his speech, said that despite facing the administration's machinery in the last National and Local Elections (NLE), the city emerged victorious.
"Money did not win, principles did. Those who sought to divide us were all defeated. We crushed them. This resounding victory was not only felt in Davao City but also echoed in key cities across Visayas and Luzon. For that, we are forever grateful, " he said.
He added that he is thankful to the barangay officials, the safety and security cluster, the City Government of Davao workforce, and all the Dabawenyos who supported him.
Duterte also said that as they open the 21st Davao City Council, they would introduce legislation that would focus on health, peace and order, housing, food security, and digitalization. He said that he will allocate a huge budget for education to boost scholarships for the poor and deserving Dabawenyo students, build more classrooms and learning facilities, emphasizing the importance of investing in education for the future of today's children.
Rigo did not take his oath of office on this day as he had already done so together with his father, Paolo "Pulong" Duterte, and brother, Omar Duterte.
Meanwhile, First District councilors who took their oath of office as J. Melchor Quitain Jr., Luna Acosta, Cookie Bonguyan, Bonz Militar, Ragde Niño lbuyan, Temujin "Tek" Ocampo, and Pamela "Pameng" Librado. They were presided over by Judge Mario Duaves.
In the Second District, Diosdado Mahipus, Ralph Abella, Louie John Bonguyan, Che-Che Justol-Baguilod, Al Ryan Alejandre, Danny Dayanghirang, Nonong Cabling, and Doce Apostol took their oath of office presided over by Judge Mario Duaves.
Third District Councilors Alberto Ungab, Enzo Villafuerte, Sweet Advincula, Petite Principe-Castrodes, Rachel Zozobrado, Potpot Villafuerte, Jopet Baluran, and Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz also took their oath of office, presided over by Judge Marie Estrellita Tolentino. Isidro Ungab, the Third District winning representative, also took his oath of office.
During his oath-taking, Ungab said he is overflowing with gratitude to the Dabawenyos for their trust and faith, which made his comeback as a representative of Davao City’s third district.
He said that this is his third and final term as representative, but his commitment to working and serving his constituents remains.
“Serbisyo sa katawhan ug ang papadayon sa kalambuan sa ikatulong distrito [Service to the people and to continue the growth of the third district]. This has always been my guiding light," he said.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte was not able to take oath as mayor of Davao City on this day at the Sangguniang Panlungsod since he is still detained in The Hague, Netherlands, for alleged crimes against humanity.
To recall, the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Davao City (DILG-Davao City) Director Vicky Sarrcena said on May 15, 2025, that Baste will serve as acting mayor since FPRRD is still detained. She said that for the Sangguniang Panlungsod, the highest-ranking city councilor will serve as acting vice mayor.
Senator Chiz Escudero, in an interview with national media, said that FPRRD may be able to take his oath of office through a Philippine consular office in the Netherlands. A consular official could also visit the detention facility to administer the oath.
However, in a recent interview, Sara said she has not discussed with their father about his oath-taking, as it would be discussed by him and his lawyers.
She revealed that FPRRD was given until 12 noon of June 30 to take his oath, and if he is unable to take his oath, then Baste will take his seat.
Five members of the Duterte family were proclaimed winners on May 13, 2025, in the local posts that they were gunning, during the 2025 local elections. RGP