Dabawenyos expressed hope that former President Rodrigo Duterte can attend his official oath-taking as the elected mayor of Davao City despite his current legal situation with the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Vice President Sara Duterte revealed that discussions are ongoing between Duterte’s legal team and ICC lawyers concerning the proclamation and possible oath-taking of the former president.
Based on official and final results released by the Board of Canvassers, Duterte garnered 662,630 votes, making him the duly elected mayor of Davao City for the upcoming term.
Questions have since been raised regarding the position’s assumption, as Duterte remains in The Hague, Netherlands, where the ICC is based.
Commission on Elections (COMELEC) spokesperson George Erwin Garcia earlier clarified that Duterte can still be proclaimed as the new mayor even in absentia.
Garcia added that the matter may also be referred to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to determine if Duterte can legally assume the role.
Meanwhile, Vice President Duterte stated they have until June 30 to explore legal solutions that would allow the former president to take his oath of office, possibly remotely or through other means.