VP Sara urges Davao City officials to stay faithful to their duties
By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday urged newly elected officials here to remain faithful to their duties and the offices they now hold as public service demands unwavering commitment beyond the titles they were elected to.
“Be always faithful to your duties and office,” Duterte said, stressing the importance of adhering to their sworn commitments, particularly the need to remain faithful to the responsibilities tied to their positions.
VICE President Sara Duterte
“The newly elected officials must stand firmly by the legal orders, laws, and decrees of duly constituted authorities in our country,” she said, adding that officials should have no intent to evade their responsibilities.
Duterte congratulated councilors, Vice Mayor-elect Sebastian Duterte, and the congressional winners – Rep. Isidro Ungab (third district), Rep. Omar Duterte (second district), and Rep. Paolo Duterte (first district).
The Vice President thanked the people of Davao City for supporting Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod and Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) candidates aside from her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
She acknowledged the victory of former President Duterte as mayor of Davao City.
Vice President Duterte said there was no discussion among elected officials about his absence during the inauguration.
“There was no discussion about his absence. It may have already been expected because of his situation right now. He is currently detained in the International Criminal Court detention unit at The Hague, Netherlands,” she said.
Despite the unusual circumstances, Vice President Duterte maintained that acceptance of the reality marked the atmosphere.
The law states that Mayor-elect Rody Duterte has until noon on June 30 to take his oath of office. If he fails, Vice Mayor-elect Duterte will assume the position of acting mayor of Davao City.
Vice President Duterte expressed hope that her father would take oath as Davao City mayor as she voted for him and wanted him to assume the post.
However, she acknowledged uncertainty surrounding his decision amid ongoing legal consultations.
The oath-taking ceremony was held at Sangguniang Panlungsod amid tight security and was attended by supporters, city officials, and members of local political groups.