Sara now 'open' to run for president

CEBU, Philippines —  Davao City Mayor and presidential daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio is open to run for president in the 2022 elections.

The mayor expressed willingness to run for the country’s top post during her visit at the Cebu Provincial Capitol yesterday.

“Yes,” she said when asked in an interview if she is open to the idea of seeking the presidency.

However, she said nothing is final yet.

Carpio paid a courtesy visit to Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, but clarified that there were no particular discussions on politics.

Carpio said they only tackled “light subjects” like the airport operations, and Capitol’s museum, among others in a two-hour closed-door meeting.

But she said she would be back in Cebu soon to know the sentiments of the Cebuanos.

“There were no discussions about the 2022 polls. But I’ll be back soon to talk to Cebuanos and ask them what they really wanted. It is important for us to know their sentiments,” she said.

She said she will be with her Hugpong Ng Pagbabago party in the next visit to consult their supporters.

Carpio thanked Cebuanos for their trust and confidence.

“Magpasalamat ko sa mga supporters nako dinhi sa Cebu sa ilang trust and confidence sa akoa and that is one of the reasons nga naa mi dinhi because we want to ask pod kung unsa ba gyud ang ilang gusto,” she said.

[I thank my supporters here in Cebu for their trust and confidence. That is one of the reasons why I am here. We want to ask the people what they really wanted.]

Huge billboards and tarpaulins emblazoned with “Run Sara Run” have sprouted around Cebu province and other urban centers.

In February this year, Carpio turned down calls for her to run for the presidency despite the OCTA Research Group’s survey result showing her leading among possible presidential candidates in 2022.

OCTA’s Tugon Ng Masa survey, conducted from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1, showed that 22 percent of the 1,200 respondents prefer Carpio among the potential candidates for president.

Based on the survey, Carpio obtained the highest support from respondents in Mindanao at 48 percent, followed by those in the Visayas at 20 percent, Metro Manila at 17 percent and the rest of Luzon at 11 percent.

She had the highest support among the poorest respondents at 24 percent, followed by those in Class D at 22 percent and Class ABC at 16 percent. — KQD (FREEMAN)