Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s unwillingness to run for president despite consistently leading poll surveys for the position has given supporters more reason to encourage her to lead the nation.

“Mayor Sara’s reluctance to run means she has discernment. This shows she is not a political opportunist,” former Davao del Norte Gov. Anthony del Rosario said.

Del Rosario, spokesman of the Hugpong para kay Sara (HPS), said the organization remained optimistic that President Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter will join the 2022 presidential race.

“She has consistently shown a gentle heart for her constituents, especially the common folk, and that to many Filipinos, is priceless. A style of governance couched by a strong political will and a thoughtful mind, which many of our citizens believe is what the country needs,” he said.

In the latest Pulse Asia survey for preference for president, Mayor Duterte topped all possible candidates for the presidency in 2022.

The survey which was conducted among 1,200 respondents from the Sept 6-11 2021 showed 20% of them prefer Mayor Duterte as their first choice for the position.

She is followed by former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr with 15 percent then Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagaso in third with 13 percent.

The Davao City mayor, who heads the Hugpong ng Pagbabago, has declared she will not run for president because it was agreed upon by the family that only one of them will seek a national post.

President Duterte has already accepted his nomination to represent the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (Cusi wing) in next year’s vice presidential race.

“The result of the latest survey shows that the majority of the Filipino people still prefer Mayor Sara to be the next president for the next six years despite her reluctance to seek presidency,” said Del Rosario.