FPRRD's assumption as Davao City mayor still uncertain -- VP Sara
By Ivy Tejano
Vice President Sara Z. Duterte said there is no official date yet on former President Rodrigo Duterte’s oathtaking as Davao City mayor.
In a Monday press briefing, Vice President Duterte addressed lingering questions surrounding her father’s oath-taking and the Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).
“I don’t know the details of their discussions. Former President Duterte has a different set of lawyers handling his oathtaking. He is working with Filipino lawyers on the matter,” she said.
The uncertainty has implications in the former Chief Executive’s compliance with post-election requirements.
Addressing concerns about former President Duterte’s non-filing of his SOCE, Vice President Duterte explained that an oath is required before such documents can be submitted.
“They probably can’t file it because there’s no oath yet. So, what former President Duterte’s lawyer did was represent him at the Commission on Elections,” Vice President Duterte said.
According to the Comelec, former President Duterte and mayoral candidates Joselito Tan and Jonathan Julaine failed to submit their SOCE on June 11, the deadline for submission.
Comelec-Davao Assistant Regional Director Gay Enumerables said that submitting a SOCE is a legal requirement for all candidates, regardless of the election outcome.
The Comelec said that failure to comply with the legal requirement violates election laws and may lead to the following penalties:
For first-time offenders, fines vary depending on the post sought: P20,000 for city mayor and vice mayor candidates, P30,000 (congressional candidates), and P15,000 (city council).
A repeat violation, such as by a candidate for the House of Representatives, can result in a P60,000 fine and a lifetime ban from holding public office.
Vice President Duterte addressed rumors and confusion surrounding the status of former President Duterte’s assumption to office.
“Up to now, former President Duterte has not taken his oath. Here in Davao City, we still do not know if the person we elected as Mayor will take the oath,” she said.
For now, the Vice President said the former Chief Executive won’t assume office because he has not taken his oath. She added that all people could do is wait until June 30.
No official confirmation has been released by former President Duterte’s legal counsel on his potential assumption to office.