DAVAO CITY - Davao City Mayor and presidential daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio announced on Tuesday, Nov. 9, her withdrawal of her candidacy as re-electionist mayor of Davao City in the 2022 elections, raising speculations that she might pursue a national post.
Mayor Sara made the announcement a few hours after her brother, Vice-Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, also withdrew his reelection bid for Davao City vice-mayor.
The city mayor, in a Facebook post, said that she has filed her withdrawal as candidate for mayor of Davao City and nominated Vice-Mayor Baste as her substitute. Incumbent councilor Melchor Quitain Jr. will substitute for Baste as candidate for the vice-mayor.
"Ngayong hapon wini-withdraw ko ang aking kandidatura sa pagka-Mayor ng Davao City. Si VM Baste ang papalit sa akin. Si Atty. Melchor Quitain ang nominado namin sa pagka-Bise Alkalde. Ito lamang po muna. Maraming salamat po," Mayor Sara said.
Mayor Sara filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) for the mayor of Davao City on Oct. 2, while Vice Mayor Baste filed his COC for vice mayor of the city on Oct. 3.
"I am deeply grateful to the Dabawenyos for the support they have given me all this time. I have no other details to share at the moment. Thank you," Vice Mayor Baste said.
Meanwhile, Paolo Duterte is still running for congressman, while their father, President Rodrigo R. Duterte is reportedly considering a Senate seat despite announcing his plan to retire from politics.