DILG to Request ICC Approval for Duterte’s Mayoral Oath
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is set to formally request approval from the International Criminal Court (ICC) to allow former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to take his oath of office as the elected mayor of Davao City in The Hague, Netherlands. This move is necessary because Duterte currently faces legal proceedings before the ICC.
Local officials emphasize the importance of the oath of office for Duterte to officially assume his role. According to sources familiar with the matter, DILG Secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ Remulla explained, “Ang gagawin ko na lang ay magpapaalam ako sa ICC kung puwedeng pumunta (The Hague, Netherlands) ang consul natin para makapag-oath siya kasi kailangang mag-oath siya (Duterte) to assume office.”
Legal Framework for Administering the Oath
The DILG confirmed it will recognize Duterte’s oath if it complies with the 1987 Constitution and existing Philippine laws. Philippine ambassadors and consuls, as presidential appointees confirmed by the Commission on Appointments, are authorized to administer oaths of office abroad.
Duterte won the mayoral race in Davao City and was proclaimed in absentia by the Commission on Elections. However, his current detention and ongoing ICC case complicate his ability to perform mayoral duties physically and legally.
Implications of Duterte’s Detention on Mayoral Duties
If Duterte takes his oath but remains detained, he would be unable to fulfill the responsibilities of local chief executive. In such cases, the vice mayor automatically assumes the mayor’s duties. Meanwhile, the highest-ranking member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod serves as acting vice mayor, as outlined in Section 46 of the Local Government Code.
Should Duterte fail to take his oath within six months from proclamation without justifiable cause, the mayoralty seat will be considered permanently vacant. This situation would lead to the vice mayor becoming mayor, and the top councilor assuming the vice mayor position, in accordance with Section 44 of the Local Government Code and Section 11 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 881 or the Omnibus Election Code.
Local experts highlight the importance of these provisions to ensure governance continuity in Davao City amid these unique circumstances.
For more news and updates on DILG seeks ICC approval, visit Filipinokami.com.