[3] Before claiming the honor as Davao City’s first sitting mayor, Santiago Artiaga (1878–1962), one of the first pensionados (state scholars) during the American occupation, was already a colorful, if controversial, figure in Manila.

For nearly three years Artiaga served diligently as local chief executive, but had to leave after President Manuel L. Quezon plucked him out for another assignment.

On October 13, 1939, Malacañang announced his appointment as the new provincial governor of Bukidnon, replacing Agustin Alvarez who took over as the new city mayor of Davao.

His father, Vicente Duterte, served as mayor of Danao, Cebu and governor of Davao, and his mother, Soledad Roa-Duterte, was a public school teacher and a noted community activist.

In May 1986, he was appointed OIC vice mayor of Davao City by the revolutionary government of Corazon Aquino.

Nicknamed "The Punisher" by Time Magazine for his controversial methods, Duterte nevertheless was successful in reducing crime.

Furthermore, he was credited with helping to make Davao City cleaner by enforcing a smoking ban, and for his LGBT-friendly measures.

Duterte entered the vice presidential race at the last hour via substitution after initially claiming that she had no interest in seeking a national post.

J. Melchor Quitain Jr. is the current Vice Mayor of Davao City, assuming the post last June 2022.