THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced on Monday that it will seek permission from the International Criminal Court (ICC) to allow former president Rodrigo Duterte to take his oath of office as Davao City mayor while he is detained in The Hague, Netherlands.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that the DILG recognizes Duterte’s victory in the May 2025 midterm elections and his subsequent proclamation as mayor by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
“We recognize the victory of [former president Rodrigo Duterte]. Siya ang dineklara ng Comelec na mayor. Na-proclaim siya the day after elections. Overwhelming mandate. So we recognize him as the mayor,” Secretary Remulla said in an ambush interview. (Translation: “We recognize the victory of former president Rodrigo Duterte. He was declared mayor by the Comelec. He was proclaimed the day after elections. Overwhelming mandate. So we recognize him as the mayor.”)
The DILG’s plan involves requesting the ICC’s permission for a Philippine consul to travel to The Hague and administer the oath of office to Duterte.
This unusual request stems from the need for Duterte to formally assume his mayoral duties despite his ongoing detention at the ICC. The DILG’s recognition of Duterte’s electoral win underscores the legal complexities surrounding his situation, necessitating a unique approach to allow him to fulfill his elected position while facing international legal proceedings.
The ICC’s response to the DILG’s request will be closely watched, given the unprecedented nature of the situation.
The move is highly unusual and highlights the extraordinary circumstances surrounding Duterte’s situation. It remains to be seen how the ICC will respond to this request, which would require a degree of flexibility and cooperation from the international court.
The outcome will have significant implications for both Duterte’s political future and the ongoing legal proceedings against him.
