CEBU CITY – The chairman of the Davao-based Partido Pilipino sa Pagbabago (PPP) has filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for president to keep their hopes of a Sara Duterte-Carpio presidency alive.
Former Tourism Secretary and Cebu gubernatorial candidate Ace Durano disclosed this move by PPP chairman Leonardo Fernandez.
Durano, regional president of PPP-Central Visayas, said Fernadez filed his COC for president so that Duterte-Carpio will have the option for a substitution should the Davao City mayor decide to run for the country's highest government position.
The filing of COC ended last Friday, October 8, but changes remain possible as the deadline for substitution is on November 15 yet.
"During the convention, the PPP nominated Inday Sara-Duterte as the party's candidate for president," said Durano.
"Now the chairman of PPP, Mr. Leo Fernandez filed COC for President to give an opportunity to Mayor Inday for substitution if she decides to run for president,” Durano added.
Durano said the group has not decided yet who to support among the presidential candidates as they are still awaiting the decision of Duterte-Carpio.
Durano said in the event that Duterte-Carpio will not run for president, the PPP will hold another national convention to choose a presidential candidate that they will endorse for the 2022 elections.