THE DEPARTMENT of Interior and Local Government (DILG) reiterated Monday that the status of Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II as mayor and vice mayor is still pending.
Charissa Guerta, DILG Davao region assistant regional director, said the office is still awaiting guidelines from the central office before official announcements will be made.
“We have inquired in the central office on what their stand on the matter is,” Guerta said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw on Monday.
Asked about Veronica “Kitty” Duterte possibly taking Rigo’s seat, Guerta said it solely depends on the political party.
“I cannot give any comment on whoever is being cited as mopuli. Naa man gud nakabutang labi na kung city/ municipality, the political party where the person belongs will be the deciding body,” she added.
Guerta also said the political party will nominate who will replace Rigo Duterte when he vacates the post.
“Sila man gud mohatag sa nomination and whoever gets nominated, mao na sya ang i-consider,” the official said.
In an earlier interview, Councilor Alberto Ungab, committee chair on appointments and reorganization, said Rigos’ replacement will come from the first district.
Acting Vice Mayor Rigo Duterte previously 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, who is the acting mayor, will be the city’s chief executive.
