HNP: Pulse Asia lead a 'boost' for Sara Duterte presidential bid but other factors being considered

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte's lead in the latest election survey of Pulse Asia may boost her possible presidential bid in Eleksyon 2022 but she will still consider other factors in running for the post, an official of Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) party said Wednesday.

HNP secretary general Anthony del Rosario said they also welcomed the survey as it showed the "continued support of the Filipino people."

"Of course having a high rating is definitely a boost for any candidate including Mayor Sara. At the end of the day, she needs to make a decision based on other factors, not only the survey. There are other factors that come into a play when thinking of running for president," Del Rosario told reporters in an online briefing.

Del Rosario further said HNP cannot decide for Sara on her presidential bid but noted that they will encourage and support her if she decides to run.

HNP will, likewise, support her if she decides to join the mayoral race, he also said.

"It is only Mayor Sara who can decide whether she runs for presidency in 2022," said Del Rosario.

Meanwhile, the Davao City mayor has yet to issue a comment on the recent survey results, said Del Rosario.

Not interested in Duterte-Duterte tandem

On the possible Duterte-Duterte tandem in next year's polls, the HNP official reiterated that Sara will not join the presidential race if

"She is not interested and she does not see a Duterte-Duterte tandem," said Del Rosario.

Sara and her father were the most preferred candidates for president and vice president, respectively, according to a June 2021 Pulse Asia survey. Sara also still topped the list for second choice of presidential candidates.

In her previous interviews, Sara said she has no intention to run for the highest government post in the country. But  last week, she revealed that she is open to join the presidential race in next year's polls.

Last Monday, the President still discouraged his daughter from seeking the highest elected post, even asking her to let critics win first in next year's elections. He further said Sara should run some other time.

In the same briefing, Duterte also said his vice presidential bid is only a "scare tactic" for his opponents.—AOL, GMA News