PRRD to Sara: Ignore public clamor to seek presidency

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte strikes his signature pose with his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, as they prepare to head to the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan for the Ceremonies of the Accession to the Throne of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito on October 22, 2019. KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has reiterated his advice to his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, not to run for the highest public office.

Duterte said he did not want his daughter to go through the same experiences he currently goes through three years into his term.

“Maawa ako sa anak ko. Natikman ko na kung ano ang presidency (I pity my daughter. I have already experienced the presidency),” Duterte said in an exclusive interview with GMA News aired on 24 Oras Monday night.

“Do not believe the clamor of the people because when the water gets rough you’ll find that you’re the only one sailing the lonely sea,” he added.

In 2018, Duterte said he saw his daughter succeeding him in the near future. However, he changed his mind this year saying it would be a wise decision for her not to follow his footsteps.

Duterte previously said the presidency could both “educate” and “destroy” his eldest daughter.

Sara, who also leads a regional political party called Hugpong ng Pagbabagpo, has neither confirmed nor denied plans to seek the presidency in 2022.

Earlier, she explained that her decision to run for president will depend on the circumstances but she could make a decision by January of 2021.

Running for president required money, machinery, and guidance from God, she said.

Last May, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Sara can decide on her own about a possible presidential run.

“We know Mayor Sara has her own independent mind.

We have to leave that to Mayor Sara herself,” Panelo said.

He, however, admitted that despite her father’s warning, Sara “might rise to the challenge” if there’s a clamor for her to run.