Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla made the announcement in an ambush interview with the national media on Monday, May 26, affirming the DILG’s recognition of Duterte’s electoral triumph.
“We recognize the victory of [former president Rodrigo Duterte]. Siya ang dineklara ng Comelec na mayor. Na-proclaim siya the day after the elections. Overwhelming mandate. So we recognize him as the mayor,” the Secretary stated.
The primary concern for the DILG is facilitating Duterte’s oath-taking, which is a mandatory step for him to assume office officially.
“Ang gagawin ko na lang magpapaalam ako sa ICC kung puwede pumunta ang consul natin para makapag-oath siya kasi kailangan mag-oath siya to assume office,” the secretary explained.
The secretary acknowledged the logistical challenge posed by Duterte’s detention.
“In his absence, the vice mayor will be there pero ang number one concern namin is makapag oath siya as mayor, so kelangan physically present ka, so incapacity na hindi niya kayang magsilbi, ang vice mayor muna ang uupo doon [Davao City Hall],” he said.
Reiterating the DILG’s stance, the secretary concluded, “We recognize PRRD as the duly-elected Mayor.”
Legal experts in the country have previously noted the complexities of an elected official taking an oath while detained by an international tribunal, especially given that the Philippines has withdrawn from the Rome Statute, the ICC’s founding treaty.
