DAVAO CITY — Sebastian “Baste” Duterte formally took his oath as vice mayor of Davao City on the afternoon of 27 June in grand inaugural rites at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall.

Duterte was joined by his family, including his mother Elizabeth Zimmerman and sister, Vice President Sara Duterte, who attended the ceremony alongside newly elected city officials and district representatives.

Associate Justice Jill Rose Jaugan-Lo administered the oath of office.

“We are here to honor the trust that our fellow Dabawenyos have given us. We owe this renewed mandate to everyone who believes in transparency, accountability, peace and security,” Duterte said in his inaugural address. “Despite facing the administration’s machinery in the last elections, Davao City emerged victorious. Money did not win — principles did.”

Duterte urged fellow public servants to stay connected with the people who elected them and remain proactive in addressing community concerns.

To his constituents, Duterte called for continued cooperation and unity. “Government cannot do it alone. We need you to do your part in nation-building,” he said.