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Duterte As Davao Mayor Again? COMELEC Says It's Up To DILG After Proclamation
Photo credit: Rody Duterte
Former President Rodrigo Duterte may soon find himself back in Davao City Hall—if he officially wins in the upcoming elections, that is.
In a press statement, Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Spokesperson Atty. John Rex Laudiangco clarified that Duterte can be proclaimed as Davao City Mayor if he garners the majority vote. However, the next step—actually assuming the post—is beyond COMELEC’s authority.
“Former President Rodrigo Duterte can be proclaimed as Davao City Mayor if he officially wins the elections, but for his assumption [of] office, Comelec will leave it to the decision of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG),” said Laudiangco.
This means proclamation and assumption of office are two separate matters—one under COMELEC’s watch, and the other in DILG’s hands.
The announcement has sparked interest and debate, especially among Davao residents and political observers. Duterte, who served as president from 2016 to 2022, was previously mayor of Davao for over two decades before his term in Malacañang.
For now, all eyes are on the ballots—and possibly, on the DILG’s next move if Duterte clinches the win.
In a press statement, Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Spokesperson Atty. John Rex Laudiangco clarified that Duterte can be proclaimed as Davao City Mayor if he garners the majority vote. However, the next step—actually assuming the post—is beyond COMELEC’s authority.
“Former President Rodrigo Duterte can be proclaimed as Davao City Mayor if he officially wins the elections, but for his assumption [of] office, Comelec will leave it to the decision of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG),” said Laudiangco.
This means proclamation and assumption of office are two separate matters—one under COMELEC’s watch, and the other in DILG’s hands.
The announcement has sparked interest and debate, especially among Davao residents and political observers. Duterte, who served as president from 2016 to 2022, was previously mayor of Davao for over two decades before his term in Malacañang.
For now, all eyes are on the ballots—and possibly, on the DILG’s next move if Duterte clinches the win.
May 13, 2025
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