‘Rody’s statement on Sara to preserve gains, not power’

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte’s statement that he wants his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, to succeed him was not official and not about remaining in power, Malacañang said yesterday. 

Speaking to reporters in Davao City last Friday, Duterte said he could not find a better candidate to become the next president than Sara.  

Duterte described Sara as a “strong woman” who is not a bigot and who knows the law well. 

When reminded about Duterte’s pronouncement that he is not after power, Abella said the President was just after preserving the gains of his administration. 

“It was not an official statement, OK? That statement was made to one reporter. Second, I think you’re making a breathtaking leap by assuming that he wants power when he says that his daughter is somebody that he trusts,” Abella said. 

“I think the President is just being very pragmatic, you know. It’s not a question of wanting to perpetuate power but ensuring that whatever gains that we have made, the administration may have made, will be preserved by someone that he actually trusts,” he added. 

Abella said the President trusts the capability of Sara, whom he said should be viewed as an “independent personality.” 

“I think you have to consider her as an independent personality and not just his daughter. It’s like she is an effective person and mayor and politician who happens to be his daughter,” the presidential spokesman said. 

“It’s not a question of wanting to perpetuate power. I think there’s a huge difference between the two,” he added.   

The 72-year-old Duterte has repeatedly said that he does not need the presidency and that he is ready to step down anytime. 

He also mentions Sara frequently in his speeches, describing her as a tough and feisty woman who is not afraid to stand up for her beliefs.