Baste Duterte officially took his oath as Davao City mayor on Friday, permanently succeeding his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who remains detained in The Hague while awaiting trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC) on crimes against humanity charges.
Duterte was elected vice mayor in the midterm elections last year, alongside his father and nephew Rodrigo II, who garnered the highest number of votes for city councilor.
At noon on June 30, 2025, the elder Duterte was unable to assume office due to his detention, thrusting his son into the mayoralty. On Friday, Rodrigo II also took his oath as Vice Mayor, filling the seat vacated by his uncle.
The oath-taking ceremony was administered by Regional Trial Court XI Deputy Executive Judge Marie Estrellita Tolentino-Rojas.
Apart from family members, the event at City Hall was attended by Duterte allies, including Davao City 3rd District Representative Isidro Ungab and former Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairperson Martin Delgra.
The transition marks a continuation of the Duterte family’s political presence in Davao City, with Baste and Rodrigo II now holding the city’s top posts.