VP on Baste as alternative presidential bet: No talks yet

MANILA, Philippines — There is no discussion yet on the possibility of Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte as an alternative candidate in the 2028 presidential race, according to Vice President Sara Duterte.

At a press conference yesterday, the Vice President revealed that their mother, Elizabeth Zimmerman, had wanted Sebastian to seek a national post.

Duterte said Zimmerman once ordered her to go home to Davao and Sebastian to run in the national election.

While Duterte did not specify which position her brother might seek, there are speculations that the mayor can be a presidential candidate.

Talks about the younger Duterte running for president in 2028 have spread amid speculations that the Vice President might be convicted by the impeachment court.

After Sebastian testified at the Senate impeachement court, Duterte supporters have urged him to consider running for president in 2028.

The Vice President said that she and her brother have not talked about the possibility of him running for president.

Reacting to the statements of the Vice President, Palace press officer Claire Castro said government officials should prioritize serving the public, not self-promotion.

“People who know nothing but malign others are not helping our countrymen and are burdening the economy. A true public servant is diligent in working for the nation. One cannot always claim ignorance when accused of anomalies,” Castro said. — Bella Cariaso