Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio will run for the presidency, said Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, allegedly based on their long conversation.
“May presumption kami na she’s running for president… There is no VP option for her,” said Salceda.
There are only five days left before the substitution deadline for candidates in Election 2022.
According to Salceda, Sara Duterte-Carpio had previously filed a COC for the presidency, but it was delayed because of President Rodrigo Duterte.
“She would have filed immediately were it not for complications within the administration party, essentially triggered by her father,” said Salceda.
It will be recalled that Duterte-Carpio previously said that he would not run for president in 2022 but run for mayor of Davao City again.
But on Tuesday, he withdrew her candidacy for mayor, prompting rumors that she would run for a higher position.
Councilor Danny Dayanghirang of the Sara All support group also said they talked to the mayor after she withdrew her candidacy for mayor.
“What I learned in that conversation was, like her father, she is willing to sacrifice and serve the Filipino people,” he said.
Salceda said, most likely in Lakas-CMD’s former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will join the mayor.
Sara Duterte to run for president – Joey Salceda
Duterte-Carpio is said to be one of the reasons why Arroyo became House Speaker then.
Meanwhile, some 2022 presidential aspirants commented on the possibility that they could fight Duterte-Carpio.
“Tingin ko, it can work to our advantage… Yun yung magiging resulta na mas magiging defined yung mga linya,” said Vice President Leni Robredo.
“Wala naman akong pakialam sa kung ano ang gusto nilang gawin sa politika nila… Hindi naman kami kasali sa kanilang politika,” said Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso.
“I am surprised by her decision, but whatever plans that she has in the future, I wish her well,” said Sen. Manny Pacquiao.