Five parties back Sara

I can really foresee, as an analyst, that she will dominate the 2022 Philippine political landscape

At least five political parties are joining forces to support the probable presidential candidacy of Davao Mayor Sara Duterte in the 2022 national elections, her political ally Albay Rep. Joey Salceda disclosed on Thursday.

“It’s up to them (political parties) to announce it,” Salceda answered when asked about the groups that have placed their bets on Duterte-Carpio.

In a virtual press conference, Salceda bared a fearless forecast: That President Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter will be “significantly unopposed in 2022,” citing her “formidable advantage” as shown in all the recent presidential surveys.

When asked by Daily Tribune if Duterte can unite the divided but ruling PDP-Laban, Salceda said “she can” but the “strategic pathway” for her to win “is to form an alliance”.

Duterte-Caprio has already made up her mind to run, Salceda reiterated.

“It’s just a question of the announcement,” he said.

“She is what we need in 2022. I think she has crossed the Rubicon. Because she is running, some of the options are foreclosed,” he added.

Salceda vouched once again for Duterte-Carpio’s capacity to succeed her father as he recalled his work as Regional Development Council (RDC) chairperson for Luzon, and the Davao mayor was the chairperson for Mindanao.

“I see her doing completed staff work. She makes a very intelligent articulation of her position especially for the projects in Mindanao. What it meant for me is she can stand being surrounded by brilliant people. Therefore, I would expect enlightened and well-advised policies,” he told reporters.

“In general, I can really foresee, as an analyst, that she will dominate the 2022 Philippine

political landscape,” he noted.

For Salceda, however, a Duterte-Duterte tandem or having the Dutertes as presidential and vice-presidential candidates is not “a reasonable prospect”.

There should be a “geographical balance,” the economist-lawmaker said.

He explained that since Duterte-Carpio is from Mindanao, her vice-presidential bet should be someone who can get the support of the voters from Luzon and Visayas.

Aside from that, Salceda said: “I cannot see President (Duterte) being a spare tire. Usually, the

VP (vice president) should be younger.”

She is what we need in 2022. I think she has crossed the Rubicon. Because she is running, some of the options are foreclosed.

Earlier this week, PDP-Laban’s national council adopted a resolution “convincing” Mr. Duterte to run for vice president in the next polls.

The resolution also urged him to freely choose his running-mate.

Some groups have been pushing for the presidential bid of Duterte-Carpio as well as Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Duterte’s former top aide, but the two have yet to formally express their plans.

With Senator Manny Pacquaio’s undeclared intention to become a 2022 Philippine presidential contender, Salceda said it is up to the eight-division world boxing champion “to assess the situation”.