DAVAO CITY – Mayor Sebastian Duterte took his oath as vice mayor here on Friday, June 27.
He vowed to uphold the trust of the people and promised a brand of governance rooted in transparency, accountability, peace, and principled leadership.
He was inducted by Court of Appeals Associate Justice Jill Rose Jaugan-Lo at the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
The ceremony was witnessed by his family, Vice President Sara Duterte, and their mother, Elizabeth Zimmerman.
Vice Mayor Duterte described before supporters and outgoing and newly elected officials from the first,
second, and third districts his electoral victory as a local triumph and a symbolic win for values over political machinery.
“Money didn’t win; principles did. Those who sought to divide us were all defeated. We crashed them. This resounding victory was not only felt in Davao City but also echoed in the key areas across Visayas and Luzon, and for that, we are forever grateful,” he said.
Duterte, who ran under a platform of continuity and good governance, emphasized that Davao City’s success under his administration resulted from collective effort, from barangay officials to city workers and ordinary citizens.
Economic and social gains
He highlighted the city’s economic momentum, citing an increase in the city’s income from P5.1 billion in 2022 to P5.9 billion in 2024.
Davao City’s Gross Domestic Product also grew significantly, from P495 billion to P532 billion in just one year.
He reported that tourism, one of the hardest-hit sectors during the pandemic, rebounded strongly, noting over 1.8 million tourist arrivals in 2024, more than double the number in 2022. He added that investments also surged, reaching P263 billion this year.
Duterte said the prudent use of the people’s money has allowed the city to strengthen its emergency response, advance digitalization, expand education and health services, and make other improvements.
“These efforts underscore our commitment to ensuring that government funds sourced from Davaoeños are returned to them through tangible and meaningful projects,” he said, adding that sustaining this momentum is everyone’s responsibility.
Legislative priorities
With the opening of the 21st Davao City Council next month, Duterte vowed a proactive legislative agenda centered on health services, peace and order, housing, food security, and digitalization.
He promised increased funding for education – including more scholarships for underprivileged students and new learning facilities – and described education as a cornerstone of the city’s future. He urged everyone to invest in the future and in education for the children today.
Peace and discipline
Duterte warned against criminality and abuse of power, reaffirming his administration’s uncompromising stance on law enforcement. He said local government officials implement the law and expects people to abide by laws and policies.
“Let it be clear also, we will protect Davao City. Our policies are straightforward – criminals are not welcome here. The local government exists to ensure equal opportunities and justice for all, whether you are rich or poor,” Duterte said.
He said that they will not compromise the future of the city for anyone’s personal interest and reminded that Davao City’s progress today is due to key laws and policies made by past leaders, including his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
He urged the people to uphold honesty, discipline, and social responsibility, reminding them that a city’s progress depends on leadership and citizen participation. “A peaceful and orderly city is a product of respect for the law.”
Call for unity
Duterte appealed to all public servants and ordinary citizens to work hand-in-hand in safeguarding the legacy of Davao City. He reiterated that they will not give the people a government that tolerates abuse or wrongdoing.
“To my fellow public servants, never forget the will of the people that brought us here. We must always listen to our constituents. We need to be even more proactive and address community concerns swiftly and sensibly,” Duterte said.
“We ask our fellow Davaoeños for your continued cooperation as we move toward a more secure and productive future. We know Davao City better than anyone else. We know its strengths and weaknesses. Its growth and success rely on all of us,” he added.