Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the Department will formally seek the approval of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to allow former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (FPRRD) to take his oath of office as elected Mayor of Davao City in The Hague, Netherlands.

Remulla said the DILG respects the clear mandate given by the people of Davao City to FPRRD but noted that an oath of office is necessary for him to assume his post.“Ang gagawin ko na lang ay magpapaalam ako sa ICC kung puwedeng pumunta ang consul natin para makapag-oath siya kasi kailangang mag-oath siya to assume office,”he stated.

The DILG earlier confirmed that it will recognize the validity of FPRRD’s oath of office, provided that it is conducted in compliance with the provisions of the 1987 Constitution and existing Philippine laws.

Under current rules, Philippine ambassadors and consuls, being presidential appointees confirmed by the Commission on Appointments, are authorized to administer oaths of office.

FPRRD was proclaimed in absentia by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) after securing victory in the mayoral race in Davao City. He is currently facing legal proceedings before the ICC in The Hague.

The DILG emphasized that should FPRRD be able to take his oath of office, his continued detention would render him both physically and legally incapable of performing the functions of a local chief executive. In such instance, the Vice Mayor will automatically assume the duties of Mayor, while the highest-ranking member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod will serve as Acting Vice Mayor, pursuant to Section 46 of the Local Government Code.

However, if the elected official fails to take his oath of office within six months from proclamation and the delay cannot be justified as being beyond his control, the mayoralty seat will be deemed permanently vacant. This will result in the Vice Mayor assuming the position of Mayor, and the highest-ranking councilor becoming Vice Mayor, in accordance with Section 44 of the Local Government Code and Section 11 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 881 or the Omnibus Election Code.

Original Article At: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-to-get-ICC-go-signal-on-FPRRD-oath-taking-as-Davao-Mayor/NC-2025-1050