Davao council faces shake-up; eyes on Rigo, Kitty

DAVAO CITY — A reshuffling within the Davao City Council is seen as likely once Acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II formally assumes office, city lawmakers confirmed, signaling adjustments in committee leadership and council assignments.

Councilor Alberto Ungab, chair of the Committees on Appointments and Government Reorganization and on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, said Duterte’s elevation to acting vice mayor will automatically vacate the committees he previously headed as councilor.

“There will be changes that may occur,” Ungab said during the November 25 Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos session. “When he takes his oath as Acting Vice Mayor, the committees he currently holds will be vacated.”

Ungab stressed that reassignment of chairmanships and memberships will be deliberated internally, adding that no final decisions have been reached.

Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, chair of the Committee on Finance, Ways and Means, noted that the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod (HTL) party will select Duterte’s replacement should his council seat be officially declared vacant.

Acting Vice Mayor Duterte also revealed that his oath-taking—along with that of Acting City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte—may take place “on or before December.”

Kitty surfaces

While discussions about potential successors remain unofficial, one name has quietly drawn public curiosity: Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, daughter of Mayor-elect Rodrigo Duterte. Her possible entry into the city council has been the subject of speculation among local observers.

However, Councilor Ungab quickly shut down questions on the matter, saying he had “no comment” on whether Kitty was being considered for any role connected to the impending reshuffle.

Inside the council, members likewise declined to address the brewing interest, reiterating only that the eventual nominee will come from the Hugpong party, without confirming or denying whether Kitty is in the lineup.