DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said on Monday, May 26, 2025, that they are coordinating with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in order for former President Rodrigo Duterte to take his oath as the newly elected mayor of Davao City while in detention in The Hague, Netherlands.
In an interview with reporters, Remulla said the DILG recognizes the victory of Duterte, who was earlier proclaimed as the mayor-elect of Davao City following the 2025 national and local elections.
Remulla said the DILG will seek the approval of the ICC to allow the ambassador of the Philippines to the Netherlands to administer Duterte’s oath inside the detention facility in order for him to assume office.
“We recognize the victory of former President (Duterte). Siya ang dineclare ng Comelec na mayor. Na-proclaim siya a day after elections. Overwhelming mandate. We recognize him as the mayor,” he said.
(We recognize the victory of former President (Duterte). He was declared mayor by the Comelec. He was proclaimed a day after the elections. It was an overwhelming mandate. We recognize him as the mayor.)
“Ang gagawin ko na lang ay magpapaalam ako sa ICC kung pwede pumunta ang consul natin para makapag-oath siya. Kailangan mag-oath siya to assume office,” he added.
(What I will do is ask permission from the ICC if our consul can go there so he can take his oath. He needs to take an oath to assume office.)
However, Remulla said due to Duterte’s absence, his son, Sebastian, who was proclaimed as the vice mayor-elect of the city, will serve as the acting mayor.
“In his absence, the vice mayor will be there. Number one concern natin, makapag-oath siya as mayor,” said Remulla.
“Hindi (pwede work from Hague). Kailangan physically present ka. In his capacity na hindi niya kaya magsilbi, ang vice mayor muna ang uupo,” he added.
(He can't work from The Hague. He needs to be physically present. Since he’s unable to serve in his capacity, the vice mayor will assume the position for now.)
On March 11, Duterte was arrested on the basis of the arrest warrant issued against him by the ICC amid its ongoing investigation on the alleged crime against humanity in the country during the implementation of his drug war from 2011 to 2019, when he was the mayor of Davao City and subsequently when he served as the President.
Duterte was immediately flown to the Netherlands via private jet for his turnover to the ICC. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)