Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio had declined her father's wish to take a shot at the presidency in next year's elections.
President Duterte actually wanted his daughter to run for president in the 2022 elections but she refused, Malacañang disclosed Tuesday, June 29.
"I think it was some time ago nilapitan niyan ako sa Davao and he volunteered the information. 'Spox, kailangan mo malaman ito ano. Gusto talaga nating patakbuhin si Inday Sara pero talagang ayaw so in which case we have to choose kung sinong may numero (from who has the numbers)," Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said during a televised press briefing Tuesday, recalling the President's remarks.
"Senator Pacquiao, Mayor Isko Moreno, former Senator Bong Bong in that order. And of course, nandoon din si Senator Bong Go na who said na he will only run for the presidency if the president will run as his vice president," he added.
Duterte previously discouraged his daughter from running for presidency, even saying it was no job for a woman. He claimed he wanted to spare his daughter from the hardship and criticisms that come with such thankless job.
Roque clarified that the President's comment wanting his daughter to run for president "came first."
He insisted that the President has remained "consistent" about his view on his daughter's possible presidential run. "Sinabi niya talaga na ang gusto talaga nating tumakbo si Mayor Sara pero ayaw ni Mayor Sara (He really said he wanted Mayor Sara to run but Mayor Sara refused),” he said.
Early this month, the Palace announced that the President prepared a list of potential presidential contenders, including his daughter. The list also included boxer and Senator Manny Pacquiao, former Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, and former aide and now Senator Christopher Go.
Duterte, prohibited by the Constitution to seek reelection, will end his six-year term next year. His political party has encouraged him to run as vice president.
Duterte said running for vice president was not a bad idea, saying he still has unfinished business. He said he may pursue a vice presidential bid if there will be "space for me."