Metro Manila, Philippines – The government will ask the International Criminal Court (ICC) to allow former President Rodrigo Duterte to take his oath as Davao City mayor.
Duterte has been detained in The Hague, Netherlands after the ICC arrested him for crimes against humanity for murder in relation to tens of thousands of drug war killings, based on human rights data.
A former mayor, Duterte won by a landslide vote in the recent midterm elections.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said on Monday, May 26, the oath taking is necessary.
“Ang gagawin ko na lang ay magpapaalam ako sa ICC kung pwedeng pumunta ang consul natin para makapag-oath siya kasi kailangang mag-oath siya to assume office,” Remulla said.
[Translation: What I will do is to ask permission from the ICC if our consul could go there for Duterte to take his oath because it is needed so he could assume office.]
Citing existing rules, the DILG said Philippine ambassadors and consuls may administer oaths of office.
Should Duterte take his oath, the agency explained that the vice mayor will automatically take over the mayor’s role if he would be physically and legally incapable of rendering duties due to his detention. Davao City’s vice mayor-elect is Duterte’s son, Sebastian.
The highest-ranking member of the Sangguniang Panglungsod or City Council, meanwhile, will serve as acting vice mayor. The former president’s grandson, Rigo, topped the councilor race in the city’s first district.
But if Duterte fails to take his oath within six months from proclamation, the DILG said the mayoral seat will be permanently vacant, prompting the vice mayor to assume as the mayor and the highest-ranking city council member as vice mayor.
The Commission on Elections proclaimed Duterte as Davao City mayor-elect on May 13.
READ: Duterte back as Davao mayor; family solidifies power
