Legal Preparations for Former President Duterte’s Oath
Vice President Sara Duterte shared on May 17 that their legal team is actively exploring how former President Rodrigo Duterte, who won the Davao City mayoral race despite being detained in The Hague, can take his oath of office before June 30. The key focus is on finding a feasible way for the former president to fulfill this constitutional requirement while abroad.
However, she admitted that as of now, no concrete solution has been reached. “Yes, the lawyers, his lawyers are working on how he will swear for his oath. They are working on it and I don’t think they have an answer right now,” she said. She added, “But I am sure they will give an update in the coming days, right before June 30, noon of June 30.” This timeline is critical since winning candidates from the recent midterm elections officially assume their posts starting at noon on June 30.
Updates on Legal and Political Developments
During a 41-minute conversation on May 16, the Vice President updated her father on both the local and national election results. She further discussed the progress regarding his upcoming impeachment trial in the Senate this July and the ongoing case at the International Criminal Court (ICC). “And I updated him about what are the ways forward with regard to the impeachment and with regard to what we are doing with his (International Criminal Court) ICC case. So, he’s updated very recently, yesterday,” she explained.
Despite being detained in The Hague since March 12 and unable to campaign, the former president secured victory as Davao City mayor. His son, the current Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, will serve as vice mayor. To officially assume office, the former president must take his oath before June 30.
International Criminal Court Case Status
The legal team has already challenged the ICC’s jurisdiction over the case and requested the dismissal of charges. Yet, it remains uncertain when the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I will address these motions. The former president faces allegations of crimes against humanity related to his controversial war on drugs campaign. The confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled for September 23.
The situation presents complex legal and procedural hurdles, especially balancing international detention with local political responsibilities. The coming days will be crucial for updates on how the oath-taking process will proceed.
For more news and updates on how former president Duterte can take oath, visit Filipinokami.com.