There is still a huge possibility that Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio could run for the highest position in government in the upcoming May 2022 national elections, a member of the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban (PDP-Laban) led by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said on Wednesday, September 29.
Surigao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Johnny Ty Pimentel floated the idea, saying anything can happen in Philippine politics and that it is usual whenever there is a strong potential candidate.
“You know in politics, you cannot discount the possibility that in the end, Sen. Bong Go, will withdraw in favor of Mayor Duterte. This is also a possibility,” Pimentel said during an Ugnayan sa Batasan virtual press conference.
Pimentel, however, said he is supporting the candidate that has been nominated by the ruling political party — Go, their presidential candidate, and President Duterte, who is their vice-presidential candidate.
“I am loyal to my party... I will support whoever our party nominates,” Pimentel said.
Duterte-Carpio has remained the top pick for president in the upcoming May 2022 polls, based on the latest Pulse Asia survey. Senate President Vicente Sotto III, on the other hand, emerged the leading bet for vice president in the same survey.
The Davao City mayor earlier announced she will not vie for the presidency since her father has accepted the PDP-Laban’s nomination for him to run for vice president.
Pimentel, nevertheless, said he believes there is still time for the party to firm up its final decision.
“So we will never know until the deadline for the filing for substitution is over. Because the October 8 deadline is only for the filing of COCs (certificate of candidacy), but you can still substitute,” the solon said.