Her undergraduate degree of Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy makes Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio the best option as head of the country in responding to the health crisis brought by coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
William “Butch” Ramirez, a former consultant of Duterte-Carpio and currently chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), said the educational background of the mayor was a huge advantage for her if and when she decides to run for president in the 2022 national elections.
“Aside from being a lawyer, the mayor also finished a bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy so she understands health care,” said Ramirez in an interview with Manila Bulletin Tuesday, Oct. 5.
“We need a president who understands health care because of the situation with COVID-19 pandemic,” Ramirez also pointed out.
Duterte-Carpio finished college with a degree in Respiratory Therapy back in 1999 at San Pedro College in Davao City. She finished law in 2005 at San Sebastian College and a year later she passed the Bar Examination.
She entered politics in 2007, and won as vice-mayor of Davao City.
Last Tuesday, the number of COVID-19 cases in the country was at 2,613,070, with 2,471,165 recoveries and 38,828 deaths. The Department of Health (DOH) has yet to issue the latest update on new cases as of posting time.
As of Wednesday, Oct. 6 the country is at No. 18 in the world in terms of total cases.
Ramirez, 71, is part of a group called “Hugpong Para kay Sara” or HPS, an organization calling for Duterte-Carpio to run for president next year under the People’s Reform Party founded by the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago.
Last Tuesday, Ramirez said that the 43-year-old Davao City Mayor – fondly called “Inday Sara” – was totally different from her father, President Duterte.
“The woman, while she has the politics and the DNA of a Duterte, she is not a clone of her father nor a puppet to her father,” said Ramirez, who was the ‘advance team’ chief for the elder Duterte during the 2016 national elections.
“Even those who don't believe in the leadership of her father, Mayor Inday is a very good option for good governance and preservation of a country to stand by on its own.”
Ramirez said he strongly felt that ‘Inday Sara’ will run for president.
“Ako tuloy (I think it’s a go), I think she will run (for president). I have not seen any sign that she is not.”
The filing of certificate of candidacy (COC) is until Friday, Oct. 8 and although Duterte-Carpio has already filed her COC in Davao City seeking a third and last term as mayor, Ramirez expects things to turn around come the deadline.
“Ang aking (In my) assessment, because it’s allowed by law to withdraw her candidacy as mayor, she can file in a minute, in a second if she withdraws it, and then file her candidacy for the president... being seen or not,” he said.
“Because by law, you are allowed to have a special power of attorney (in filling for a COC). But nobody knows.”