- Rigo to assume VM post; Kitty Duterte possible successor in City Council?
COUNCILOR Rigo Duterte II confirmed that he would officially assume the vice mayoral post before December, as his grandfather, former President Rodrigo Duterte, failed to take his oath as the duly elected mayor of Davao City.
The lawmaker’s uncle, Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte, will take the helm as the city’s chief executive.
“There is no official update yet, but the lawyers have informed me when exactly [the oath-taking will be],” Duterte II said, adding, “Maybe before December. That was the story told to me. I will take my oath with Mayor Baste. So, there is no official date yet; that is all I can say for now about our joint oath-taking.”
Kitty tipped for council seat?
Rigo vacating his post as the first district councilor prompted speculation about his possible replacement.
Duterte II confirmed that the replacement will come from their party, Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, but noted that the official discussion is pending.
When pressed on the possibility of his aunt, Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, being tapped to take his place, he did not rule it out.
“It’s possible, we don’t know yet. We still have to talk about it within the party,” he said. “We have not discussed yet who will replace me, but before I take my oath as acting vice mayor, we will talk first.”
Grandfather’s advice: “Do not forget the people”
The acting vice mayor also revealed that he had spoken with former President Rodrigo Duterte about his new responsibilities.
“Yes, [Former President] Duterte already knows. We talked at The Hague. [He said] to simply do things properly and do not forget the people of Davao, not just Davao but the Philippines as well,” Duterte II recounted.
Priorities: health and education
Reflecting on his six months serving as acting vice mayor—a de facto role he has held since the political vacuum began—Duterte II stated that his focus remains clearly defined:
“That is what I will prioritize as acting vice mayor: health and education. For the seniors, their maintenance, and for the PWDs—that will certainly be my priority,” he said.
