Bato to seek Duterte’s approval to run vs. Sara if she runs under Lakas-CMD

PDP-Laban presidential bet Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa will seek President Rodrigo Duterte’s approval to run against Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte should she seek the presidency under Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD).

In a television interview, Dela Rosa reiterated that he is a “soldier” who will abide by the decisions of the leadership of the PDP-Laban faction, where the President is affiliated.

However, the senator said he will put Duterte’s advice into the equation.

“But before that, I will ask the President. Tanungin ko siya ‘Sir, papayag ka ba na kaming dalawa ni Mayor Inday magbabanggagn?’” Dela Rosa told CNN Philippines in an interview.

(But before that, I will ask the President. I will ask him this: ‘Sir, will you allow Mayor Inday and I to run against each other?)

“Kung sabihin niya na papayag siya, by all means, nandiyan ako para sumunod sa ating Pangulo. Pero kung sabihin niya na huwag, then alam mo na ano gagawin ko. But as I have said, mag-antay ako ng party decision,” he added.

(If he approves, by all means, I am here to follow the President. But if he says ‘Don’t’ then you know what I will do. But as I have said, I will wait for the party decision.)

Personally, Dela Rosa, a close ally of Sara Duterte, said he would prefer that only one of them will run for president in the 2022 national and local elections.

“Ako, pesonally na mas maganda kung iisa na lang sa amin ang tatakbo para hindi mahati [ang boto] but still, I will abide by the party decision. Kung ano sabihin ng partido ko, sunod ako,” Dela Rosa said.

(Personally, it is better if only one of us will run so that the votes will not be divided. But still, I will abide by the party decision. Whatever the party says, I will follow.)

‘Very much willing’

On Monday, Dela Rosa said he is “very much” willing to drop his presidential run if Sara runs under PDP-Laban.

Later that day, Lakas-CMD stalwart Prospero Pichay said the party is open to having Sara Duterte “in case she changes her mind” on her Eleksyon 2022 plans.

Pichay admitted they only fielded placeholders for president and vice president during the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) which ended on October 8.

Sara, however, has repeatedly said she is not seeking the presidency. She already filed her COC for reelection in 2022.

Lakas-CMD has consistently expressed support to Sara’s possible presidential bid.

Its stalwart, House Majority Leader and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez earlier said they will mobilize the “entire machinery” of the party should Sara runs for president “to ensure her victory.” — RSJ, GMA News