Alvarez denies saying Mayor Sara is part of the opposition
MANILA — Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez on Thursday clarified that he never said Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is part of the opposition.
“Hindi ko alam kung saan nanggaling yung kwento na 'yan pero wala akong sinasabi na part ng opposition. Panong magiging part of the opposition eh part ng administration 'yan?” Alvarez said in a press briefing.
The House Speaker was reacting to Duterte-Carpio’s earlier social media posts criticizing him for supposedly saying she is part of the opposition.
In her social media posts, Duterte-Carpio also called out Alvarez and said he himself acted as an opposition when he said he can impeach her father, President Rodrigo Duterte.
Alvarez denied Duterte-Carpio’s allegations and said he will not dare say that as he fully supports the president.
The spat between the two Davao City leaders stemmed from Alvarez’s comment over the regional party Duterte-Carpio recently formed.
Asked if the mayor should be required to affiliate her local party to the ruling party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan, Alvarez said there is no need. He added that it was a "non-issue" as it is a common practice to create regional parties.
Alvarez also cited politics and political dynasties as he said Duterte-Carpio’s decision should be respected.
“Doon natin makikita na sa pulitika, 'yung tinatawag nila minsan dynasty-dynasty. Alam mo hindi sa lahat ng panahon ay tama 'yun. Kahit na mag-ama yan, kahit na—minsan hindi tayo nagkakasundo. Magkapatid naglalaban sa pulitika, paano natin pigilin 'yun? Sila mismo naglaban-laban 'di ba?” Alvarez said in a radio interview.