The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) plans to request permission from the International Criminal Court (ICC) to allow former President Rodrigo Duterte to take his oath of office as Davao City mayor while in detention at The Hague.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla acknowledged Duterte’s electoral victory in the May 12 elections, where he secured 662,630 votes, significantly outpacing former Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, with 80,852 votes.
However, he also emphasized the necessity for Duterte to be physically present to perform his duties as mayor.
“What I can do is ask for permission from the ICC if our consul can go to him so he can take his oath because he has to take his oath to assume office,” Remulla said.
Duterte has been in ICC custody since March 11, following his arrest on charges related to alleged crimes against humanity during his administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Under the Local Government Code, in cases where the mayor cannot perform duties due to physical or legal reasons, the vice mayor assumes the responsibilities. In this instance, Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte, Duterte’s son, would fulfill the mayoral duties until further developments.
