DAVAO CITY — Sebastian Z. Duterte and Rodrigo S. Duterte II formally took their oaths of office on Friday, January 23, 2026, officially assuming their roles as Mayor and Vice Mayor of Davao City under the law of succession.
The oath-taking ceremony was held at Davao City Hall and was administered by Regional Trial Court Branch XI Deputy Executive Judge Marie Estrellita S. Tolentino-Rojas, marking a decisive transition in the city’s leadership.
Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, previously serving as Acting Mayor, and Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II, who held the position of Acting Vice Mayor, were elevated to their new posts in accordance with succession laws, ensuring continuity and stability in the city’s governance.
Also present during the ceremony were Isidro Ungab, Mika-Chan Magtulis of the Department of the Interior and Local Government–Davao City, and Martin Delgra, underscoring the institutional support behind the transition.
City officials said the assumption of office reflects the orderly operation of democratic and legal processes, with the new mayor and vice mayor expected to continue ongoing programs while steering Davao City through pressing governance, security, and development challenges.
With their oaths taken, Mayor Duterte and Vice Mayor Duterte II now fully carry the mandate to lead one of the country’s largest and most influential cities, as Davao City enters a new chapter under familiar but formally affirmed leadership.