MANILA, Philippines — Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, a rumored presidential bet in the 2022 elections, defended on Sunday her recent travels around the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The presidential daughter justified that her trips were covered by “duly filed” leaves of absence.
“It is true that there is a pandemic but it will not suspend the filing of COCs (certificates of candidacy) in October or postpone the elections on May 2022. A decision has to be made regarding my political career with or without the pandemic,” Duterte-Carpio said.
The Davao City mayor met with former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Pasay City, Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia in Cebu, and Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco over the past few days.
Duterte-Carpio assured her Davao City constituents that she is not neglecting her duties as mayor.
“I have divided my entire week between my work as mayor, my politics, and my family. I assure all Dabawenyos that my strength as a mayor is to take on several roles and ensure that work is carried out,” she added.
Duterte-Carpio is widely seen as a strong contender in next year’s presidential poll. The Duterte daughter-father tandem led a recent survey on top presidential and vice presidential bets for next year.
The younger Duterte had earlier dispelled rumors about her running for the country’s top post, but has recently expressed her intention to run in 2022, despite repeated objections from her father.
Reporting by Nadine Castro
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