No Official Date for Former President Duterte’s Oathtaking
Vice President Sara Z. Duterte clarified that there is no confirmed date yet for former President Rodrigo Duterte’s oathtaking as Davao City mayor. During a Monday press briefing, she addressed ongoing questions regarding her father’s assumption of office and the submission of his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).
“I don’t know the details of their discussions. Former President Duterte has a different set of lawyers handling his oathtaking. He is working with Filipino lawyers on the matter,” she explained.
This uncertainty affects the former Chief Executive’s compliance with post-election requirements. The exact timing of his oathtaking remains unclear, causing delays in fulfilling legal obligations.
SOCE Filing and Legal Implications
Vice President Duterte also addressed concerns about the non-filing of the former president’s SOCE. She said that an oath must be taken before such documents can be submitted.
“They probably can’t file it because there’s no oath yet. So, what former President Duterte’s lawyer did was represent him at the Commission on Elections,” she stated.
According to election officials, former President Duterte and mayoral candidates Joselito Tan and Jonathan Julaine missed the June 11 deadline to submit their SOCE. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) emphasized that filing SOCE is a legal requirement for all candidates, regardless of election results.
Penalties for SOCE Non-Compliance
Local election authorities noted that failure to submit SOCE violates election laws and may result in penalties. For first-time offenders, fines vary: P20,000 for city mayor and vice mayor candidates, P30,000 for congressional candidates, and P15,000 for city council candidates.
Repeat offenses carry harsher consequences. For example, a House of Representatives candidate could face a P60,000 fine and a lifetime ban from holding public office.
Current Status of Duterte’s Mayoral Assumption
Vice President Duterte dismissed rumors about her father’s assumption of office. “Up to now, former President Duterte has not taken his oath. Here in Davao City, we still do not know if the person we elected as Mayor will take the oath,” she said.
For the time being, she confirmed that the former Chief Executive will not assume office without taking the oath. Residents and officials alike are left waiting until June 30 for further developments.
No official confirmation has emerged from the former president’s legal team regarding his potential assumption to office.
For more news and updates on former President Duterte’s oathtaking, visit Filipinokami.com.