By Genalyn Kabiling
President Duterte is opposed to political dynasties, but is apparently making an exception when it comes to his hometown Davao City.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte graces the concluding ceremonies of the 44th Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E) at the Manila Hotel in the City of Manila on October 18, 2018. (PCOO/ MANILA BULLETIN)
The President has defended the political plans of his three children in the 2019 elections in a bid to keep Davao City peaceful and progressive.
Duterte said he wanted his daughter Sara Duterte Carpio to succeed him as mayor of Davao City since he believes she was competent to do the job. He also mentioned his two sons, former Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte who will gun for a congressional seat and Sebastian Duterte who will run for vice mayor in Davao City.
“Ayoko ng dynasty but we are forced (I don't want dynasties but we are forced),” Duterte said during the Philippine Business Conference and Expo at the Manila Hotel about his family’s hold in Davao politics.
“Ayaw ko na. I’m 73 years old but I could not see Davao go back in shambles,” said Duterte who has taken pride of the improved peace and order and economic development of Davao when he was mayor of the city.
Dutete also acknowledged that it was people who want members of a certain family to lead their city especially if they have served well.
The President's three children recently filed their certificates of candidacies at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Davao City.
Mayor Sara intends to seek a second term with her brother Sebastian as running mate in the 2019 local polls. This is the first time Sebastian will enter politics.
“Pinilit niya itong bunso si Sebastian. Walang ginawa ’yan sa buhay mabuti mayroon na siguro, maging vice mayor niya. Babae lang lahat (She compelled her brother Sebastian. He has done nothing in life but it's good he'll be vice mayor. He's focused on women),” Duterte said.
Duterte also said he could not stop Paolo from running as congressman of Davao’s First District in the upcoming elections since he was old enough to make decisions.