Hugpong, Mayor Sara's political party, gearing up for possible presidential bid
DAVAO CITY – Mayor Sara Duterte’s regional political party – Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) – is now preparing everything for her possible presidential bid in next year’s national elections.
The party needs to be “locked and loaded” after the mayor has started her grassroots consultations to feel the pulse of whether the masses are willing to support her in case she decides to run for the highest office.
In a statement, HNP spokesperson former Davao del Norte Gov. Anthony G. del Rosario said Duterte will use the remaining period before the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC) in October in meeting both her political allies and the rest of the public to consult them on the possibility of running for the highest post.
The former Davao del Norte governor, however, has yet to see the final schedule of the mayor in her consultation activities. “She does not need to visit all the municipalities,” said Del Rosario.
Crucial for Duterte are key cities, municipalities, and provinces.
Del Rosario said if she decides to run to succeed her father, she needs to realize that the people want her for the position.
“She really needs to consult her family, her political allies, and most importantly, her grassroots supporters so that she will know their thoughts about the plan for her to run,” he said.
Del Rosario also said that their party and the coalition that it is forming would allow Duterte to pick her running mate in case she decides to run.
Duterte visited Cebu the other week and she reportedly asked the permission of the mayors of the province that she would consult their constituents whether they will support her if she decides to run.