09/06/2026
When Mayor Baste Sebastian "Baste" Duterte took office in 2022, some business owners opposed his strict enforcement of building permits and construction regulations.
Despite criticism, he remained committed to ensuring that developments complied with safety and construction standards, believing that properly planned and compliant structures were essential for public welfare.
The recent strong earthquake highlighted the value of these policies, as they helped protect lives and property proving that true leadership is not about popularity, but about making difficult decisions for the greater good.
