The camp of Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi in the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban (PDP-Laban) on Wednesday, Nov. 10 conceded that should Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio finally decides to run for a national post, it will affect the current political landscape.
Cusi admitted this as much in a statement when he was sought to comment on the President’s daughter’s decision to withdraw her certificate of candidady (COC) for mayor.
“PDP-Laban watches with keen interest the developments on Sara Duterte's decision to withdraw her certificate of candidacy for Davao City Mayor, especially considering the public support she enjoys,” said Cusi, president of the PDP-Laban faction.
“In any event, her actions, including any decision to run for a national elective office, will most certainly affect the political landscape,” he also stressed.
The PDP-Laban faction’s vice presidential candidate Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go had earlier hinted there could be changes in his 2022 plans following Duterte-Carpio’s moves to withdraw her reelection bid.
Duterte-Carpio’s move had stoked speculations she could be running for president or vice president in next year’s polls.
Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Go’s running mate, himself admitted he would prefer a Duterte-Carpio to run for president and would back down from the presidential race if she decides to run.
Sen. Manny Pacquiao, who is also gunning for the presidency under the PDP-Laban banner, welcomed Duterte-Carpio’s decision.
“I’m surprised by her decision but whatever plans that she has in the future I wish her well,” Pacquiao said.