Sara Duterte strongest bet for 2022 presidential race —Imee

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte  has emerged as the strongest contender for the presidency in 2022, Senator-elect Imee Marcos said Thursday.

"Sa akin, the strongest presidential candidate clearly for 2022 is Mayor Sara. There is no ifs and buts about it," Marcos said on ANC television.

"She has the connection with the people, she has the same authenticity that we love and fell in love with President Duterte before and perhaps those who were saying that she lacks experience pero that's quickly gained, she's very quick," Marcos added.

Sara's regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) supported the senatorial bid of Marcos in the recent midterm polls. Marcos ranked 8th in the senatorial race with 15,882,628 votes.

Asked if she aims to aim for the presidency, Marcos said: "I don't think it's in my mind right now. Wala sa ulo namin 'yan eh."

Sara has been floated as a possible successor to her father but she has remained coy about her political plans.

She also denied that HNP was a political vehicle for her presidential bid.

Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte made a stern warning to Sara that "presidency will destroy her." —Anna Felicia Bajo/LBG, GMA News