DAVAO CITY – Former President Rodrigo Duterte and son, incumbent Mayor Sebastian Duterte, filed their Certificates of Candidacy (COC) for Davao City mayor and vice mayor, respectively, on Monday afternoon, October 7.
FORMER President Duterte files his COC for Davao City mayor on Oct. 7, 2024. (Ivy Tejano)
The elder Duterte, amid the loud cheers of his supporters, said in a brief interview that he decided to run for mayor to protect his hometown.
The former Chief Executive warned criminals, particularly those involved in illegal drug activities, to leave this city immediately or face stern consequences.
Mayor Duterte confirmed that he is running for vice mayor. He said their family made the final decision on Monday before they proceeded to the Comelec office here.
"Personally, I am happy because my father still has something to offer to the people. As incumbent mayor and as his son, I believe that he (FPRRD) still has the wisdom to share to the entire Davao," Mayor Duterte said.
Mayor Duterte emphasized that his father’s form of governance is truly effective. He said he could see the warm welcome and happiness of the people upon learning that his father will run for mayor.
The former Chief Executive and Mayor Duterte were accompanied by first district Rep. Paolo Duterte's son, incumbent Barangay Buhangin Chairman Omar Vincent Duterte, who is running for representative of the second district here, and incumbent Vice Mayor J. Melchor Quitain Jr. for first district councilor.