DILG to seek ICC approval for Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s oath-taking

International Criminal Court. (File Photo: Greger Ravik/Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday said they will ask the International Criminal Court (ICC) if it will allow a Philippine embassy official to administer former president Rodrigo Duterte’s oath-taking as Davao City mayor while in detention in The Hague, Netherlands.

Remulla said the DILG recognizes the overwhelming victory of Duterte in the May 12 midterm elections.

“We recognize the victory of former president [Duterte]. Siya ang dineclare ng Comelec na mayor. Na-proclaim siya (He was declared by Comelec as mayor. He was proclaimed) a day after elections. Overwhelming mandate,” Remulla said at a press conference at Camp Karingal in Quezon City.

“Ang gagawin ko na lang ay magpapaalam ako sa ICC kung pwede pumunta ang consul natin para makapag-oath siya. Kailangan mag-oath siya (I will just ask permission from ICC if our consul can go to administer his oath. He needs to take his oath) to assume office.”

Duterte garnered over 662,000 votes to beat his former Cabinet official, Karlo Nograles, who got just 80,000.

Remulla said Duterte’s son, incumbent Mayor Sebastian Duterte who was elected vice mayor, will be acting mayor in the former president’s absence.

Duterte faces crimes against humanity before the ICC for his war on drugs during his term as president from 2016 to 2022.