DAVAO City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte expressed frustration over what he sees as their family being targeted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Lisod kaayo nga sitwasyon na kanang gina-single out mo sa kanang presidente diba, kanang targeted me ba (It’s very difficult when a president singles you out, when we are being targeted),” he said in the Basta Dabawenyos podcast on March 18, 2025.
He admitted that their current situation feels surreal and unexpected. However, he made it clear that he would not back down.
“Bisan unsaon pa ko ninyo dili ko mahadlok, pagtan-aw nako in my own point-of-view naa gyud moy sayop, ayaw gyud mog expect na dili ko musukol sa inyo. Bisan ing-ani na lang me, bisan gamay nalang me (No matter what you do, I will not be afraid. From my point of view, you are in the wrong. Don’t expect me not to fight back, even if we are now just a few),” he said.
Baste acknowledged that politics comes with problems but never thought it would escalate to this level. Despite everything, he said he remains unfazed, stating that he is not desperate and does not fear for his life. His motivation for entering politics, he clarified, was to give back to the people of Davao City.
He also expressed gratitude to those who continue to support him—his staff, friends, and security team. He thanked overseas Filipinos for their unwavering support, saying it reflects his deep admiration for his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte (FPRRD).
On March 11, 2025, former President Rodrigo Duterte was taken to The Hague, Netherlands, over allegations of crimes against humanity. He attended a pre-trial hearing virtually on March 14. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has scheduled a confirmation of charges hearing for September 25, where he will be formally informed of the accusations against him.
Meanwhile, the political climate remains tense. On February 5, 2025, the House of Representatives impeached the Vice President and submitted seven articles of impeachment to the Senate.
Two related petitions are now pending before the Supreme Court—one urging the SC to compel the Senate to convene as an impeachment court, and another seeking to nullify the impeachment complaint. RGP
