Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte delivered a strongly worded message against individuals involved in illegal drug trade in Davao City.
Addressing drug pushers, Duterte warned that those responsible for destroying the lives of residents, especially the youth, will eventually be held accountable.
“Naay koy mga nadunggan kamong mga pushers… kanang mga kinabuhi na inyong ginaguba, kanang mga bata na ginapakaon ninyo anang shabu, pabayron ta mo pag abot sa panahon,” he said during his speech in the opening of Pasko Fiesta 2025 at Rizal Park on Thursday evening.
Duterte stressed that he has been taking note of individuals suspected of involvement.
“Timan-i ninyo, pabayron ta mo. Karon pa lang, ginalista ko na inyong mga pangalan… there will be a day of reckoning,” he warned.
Duterte linked his warning to continued concerns about the spread of illegal drugs, saying the city’s youth are among the most affected.
Despite the tense tone of his speech, the acting mayor reiterated that his central concern remains the welfare of Davao City residents, especially those vulnerable to drug-related harm.
Meanwhile, Duterte took a swipe at a mayor involved in the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), saying the official had the “audacity” to conduct an investigation in Davao City.
The remark came in response to the ICI team’s inspection of several DPWH projects in Davao City.
On November 5, 2025, ICI Special Adviser Rodolfo Azurin Jr., DPWH Undersecretary Arthur Bisnar, and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong visited the city to assess the rock netting project along Diversion Road in Matina and the damaged flood control structure in Matina Gravahan.
“Naay ICI nila nga investigative body kuno nga muadto diri… unya naay opaw na mayor nga baga kaayo ug nawong naay kaugalingong syudad unya muadto diri,” Duterte said.
“Gitan-aw nako iyang boto, 60% ra didto sa iyang lugar. Baga kaayo siya ug nawong para mag-imbestiga kuno diri,” he added.
He contrasted this with the political mandate of former president Rodrigo Duterte, saying the latter was elected with overwhelming support from Dabawenyos.
“Ang atong mayor nga si Mayor Rodrigo Duterte gipili 85% to 90% of Dabawenyos, kami inyong imbestigahan?” he said.
Azurin explained that the ICI’s investigation in Davao City is part of a broader evaluation of 421 infrastructure projects across the country, including 51 projects in Davao City, aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in project implementation.
