MANILA, Philippines — Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte has officially been appointed president of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP)-Laban, according to Senator Robin Padilla, his predecessor in the post.

Duterte had initially been designated as the party’s acting president in June last year after Padilla went on leave to focus on his legislative duties.

In a Facebook post on Saturday night, about 10 months later, Padilla confirmed that Duterte had formally assumed the party leadership.

“The Mayor of Davao City has been officially appointed as President of PDP-Laban! Brother of the Vice President and son of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Long live Mr. Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte!!” Padilla wrote.

Before taking on the top post, Baste Duterte served as PDP-Laban’s executive vice president.

He was elected vice mayor in the May 2025 elections but later assumed the mayoral seat previously held by his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands.

The former president is facing crimes against humanity charges tied to his administration’s war on drugs.

Following Baste Duterte’s move, Rodrigo Duterte II, the former president’s grandson, took over the vice mayor position vacated by his uncle.

-Paraluman News