Rigo Duterte Takes Over as Acting Vice Mayor of Davao

By Inday Marisol | July 2, 2025

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Councilor Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II, grandson of former president Rodrigo Duterte, has assumed the position of acting vice mayor of Davao City, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) confirmed.

Rigo Duterte, son of Davao 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte, presided over the 21st Sangguniang Panlungsod’s session on the first official day of office for newly elected officials. He garnered the highest number of votes among the city’s councilors representing the 1st district in the May elections.

Continuity of Leadership

The DILG said the appointment was legal and necessary to ensure continuity in governance and prevent service disruption. With Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte now acting as city mayor in place of his father — who is currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague—the designation of Rigo Duterte fills the resulting vacancy in the local executive lineup.

“This action prevents paralysis in government operations,” Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated, citing the Local Government Code’s provisions on succession due to the temporary incapacity of an official.

Acknowledging the Responsibility

“I accept this responsibility, knowing it comes with the trust and expectations of the people who have placed their confidence in me,” Rigo Duterte said in a brief address following his assumption of the role.

His role as acting vice mayor puts him in charge of presiding over council sessions and coordinating legislative matters for Davao City, continuing the Duterte family’s political presence in the city government.

Sources:

• Philippine Star
• Philstar
• Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)