Duterte-De Guzman showdown looming

DAVAO CITY — As the deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy for those seeking local posts draws near, it has also become certain that a fierce showdown looms between Davao City first district Rep. Rodrigo Duterte and incumbent Mayor Benjamin de Guzman.

The two erstwhile political allies-turned-rivals have lately been having their hands full firming up their respective slates for the coming May elections.

Both have also been working on getting the support of national parties for the much-needed endorsement and machinery.

While the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) is endorsing De Guzman, the Pilipino Democratic Party-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) is supporting Duterte.

Duterte, a three-term mayor before becoming a congressman, signified his intention to seek the mayoral post again against De Guzman who served as his vice mayor in 1995.

De Guzman, for his part, said nothing can stop him from seeking re-election, not even his friendship with the congressman.

In Davao del Norte, the ruling People Power Coalition still has to decide whom it will support between Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario and former Agriculture Secretary Roberto Sebastian in the gubernatorial race.