THE LEGAL team of former President Rodrigo Duterte is actively working to allow him to take oath as the Davao City mayor-elect, which coincides with the request by the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor to postpone the public disclosure of evidence until July 1, 2025.
that her father’s lawyers are handling the logistics for his oath. “They’re working on it, and I don’t think they have an answer right now. But I am sure they will provide an update in the coming days, before noon on June 30,” Vice President Sara Duterte confirmed on Saturday, May 17.
The former president secured a landslide victory as Mayor-elect in Davao City, with his proclamation occurring last week.
This situation presents a unique challenge, given that Duterte remains detained at the ICC Detention Centre in The Hague, Netherlands, facing charges of crimes against humanity related to his administration’s “war on drugs.” His confirmation of charges hearing is provisionally scheduled for Sept. 23.
Meanwhile, the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor has requested to defer the public presentation of information and evidence from witnesses against Duterte until July 1. This request, according to news reports, is primarily due to the need to establish adequate protective measures for witnesses before their identities and testimonies are disclosed.
Further adding to the procedural shifts at the ICC, Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang has taken over the case against Duterte.
This comes as ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan temporarily stepped aside pending an investigation by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services into alleged misconduct.
Niang, along with Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan, has assumed leadership of the office during this period.
In light of the former president’s continued detention, Davao City Director Vicky Sarcena of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) recently indicated that if Duterte is unable to take his oath, Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte would assume the role of acting mayor.
Previously, Senate President Chiz Escudero had suggested that the former president could take his oath by requesting a consular official’s visit to The Hague, subject to Hague rules on his release.
Duterte’s legal team has consistently sought to dismiss the charges against him, citing a lack of jurisdiction. However, an ICC decision in July 2023 allowed for the resumption of the investigation into his drug war.
Despite the former president’s detention and the ongoing ICC proceedings, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) and the 10th Infantry Division have assured residents that there are no security threats in the city following the recent national and local elections.
This assurance aims to quell any concerns that might arise given Duterte’s strong stance on law and order during his presidential term.
