THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has officially directed Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte to assume the role of acting mayor due to the absence of the winning mayor, former President Rodrigo Duterte (FPRRD).
In a statement, the DILG said it sent the vice mayor a letter dated June 30, enjoining him to perform the duties and functions of mayor of Davao City to prevent paralysis of government operations.
The agency cited Section 46(a) of the Local Government Code, which states that in cases of temporary incapacity, whether physical or legal, the vice mayor shall automatically perform the duties and exercise the powers of the mayor.
In accordance with the same succession framework, the DILG also designated top-ranking City Council Member Rodrigo Duterte II as acting vice mayor.
“The DILG underscores that the action is both legal and necessary to ensure continuity of leadership in Davao City amid ongoing legal proceedings involving the former President before the International Criminal Court (ICC),” the DILG said.
FPRRD is currently detained in the Netherlands amid the ongoing investigation of the ICC on the alleged crime against humanity in the country during the implementation of his drug war.
He was proclaimed mayor-elect in absentia. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)