INTERIOR Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Monday he plans to ask the International Criminal Court (ICC) if Philippine consul could administer the oath of office to former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was recently elected mayor of Davao City.
“We recognize the victory of former President Duterte. The Commission on Elections has declared him mayor with an overwhelming mandate,” Remulla said in an interview in Quezon City.
Duterte, who is currently detained at The Hague facing charges of crimes against humanity over his controversial war on drugs, garnered over 662,000 votes, defeating his closest rival, Karlo Nograles, who received around 80,000.
Duterte made his initial appearance before the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I on March 14, 2025.
In the meantime, Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte, the former president’s son, will serve as acting mayor in his absence.
The situation has drawn legal and political attention, raising questions about governance and the reach of international law on local electoral mandates.