Manila Bulletin

Mayor Sara strongest Senate candidate

- By ERIK ESPINA

IN a local TV program under the Cebu Catholic Television Channel (CCTN), I had as guest Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos. The studio was inundated by supporters and fans when word got out of her presence. Our interview centered on several issues – rice shortage, rising prices – etc. with the focus shifting to alliance with Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP), headed by Davao Mayor Sarah Duterte. National and other regional parties are seeking a coalition with the Mindanao- based group. Governor Imee was strongly endorsed by Mayor Sara and HNP as candidate for the Senate, along with other names. This trend is a practical recognitio­n of political winds blowing warmest further South than the initial spurt of the PDP-Laban founded in Cagayan de Oro. A pilgrimage to Mayor Sara and HNP is part of the evolving political landscape.

The new formulatio­n allows the widest accommodat­ion of local leaders and “senatoriab­les” from various affiliatio­ns to be granted benedictio­n by Malacañang, without joining PDP, vested with an “ideology” and strict rules on a “members basic course.” Governor Imee, herself a good material for the Senate, expressed her views on Sara Duterte as the strongest senatorial candidate. saying she should lead the group she endorsed for the Upper House. My own take to convince the Davao chief executive would be Cebu province with 2.7 million voters not having a candidate for the Senate this 2019. Cebuanos are adopting her, given her roots from Lapu-Lapu’s stock (Danao, Cebu). When elected to a 6-year-term, she could pursue her father’s legislativ­e agenda for “change,” despite President Duterte’s office ending in 2022.

Seizing the moment is Politics 101. Running for the Senate is the right option with the administra­tion enjoying good ratings. Sara’s expected win in the Senate will lead to new and better possibilit­ies by 2022 on the national stage, including forestalli­ng the vengeance of “yellow” and militant groups vs. Digong with a Sara -led Senate majority. Speaker GMA is correct, noting the rising and important role “Inday Sara” will have to realize.

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