Vice President Sara Duterte said the local government of Davao City, which her family has been ruling for decades, can survive even without a budget from the national government.
In an interview with a local media, the eldest Duterte daughter said Davao City has never been dependent on the national government and can still implement its public service programs without relying on state coffers.
The vice president said even during her time as a mayor, she never asked money from a congressman or a senator. She said Davao City has its own resources that it can pay its own debts.
The Dutertes retain their control and influence over Davao City after patriarch Rodrigo made a successful return to local politics. He reigned the country as president from 2016 to 2022.
Rodrigo is currently detained by the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands for murder as a crime against humanity in connection with his war on drugs policy.
His youngest son, Sebastian, is the incumbent mayor of Davao City. He ran as his father’s vice mayor and will likely keep ruling the city as acting mayor while the former president remains in detention.
Duterte’s eldest son, Paulo, is re-elected as Davao City first district representative. His sons are also into politics with his eldest Omar Vincent joining him in the Lower House as representative of the second district while second-born Rodrigo II, nicknamed ‘Rigo,’ was elected as councilor.
Rigo will be joining his Uncle Baste at the city hall as his acting vice mayor, having garnered the highest number of votes among members of the city council in the recently concluded local elections.
All members of the Duterte dynasty have been sworn into office on Friday, May 23, at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.
VP Sara said she advised her nephews to help her brothers make the lives of Davaoeños better.
“That’s all I can advise them since they are also in public service—to make the lives of the people of Davao City better. They have to serve the people well and make their lives better,” she said.