Lakas-CMD no longer expecting Sara Duterte to run for president

An official from the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) party on Friday said they are no longer expecting Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte to change her mind and be their standard bearer in the May 2022 national elections.

In a television interview, House Deputy Speaker Prospero Pichay, the party's secretary general, said their last conversation with Sara Duterte was before the last day of the filing of certificate of candidacy, which was on October 8.

"Hindi na po. After so many conversations, hindi na po [Not anymore. After so many conversations, not anymore]," Pichay told CNN Philippines.

Pichay said the Lakas-CMD respects the Sara Duterte's decision to seek her third term as Davao City mayor in next year's elections.

"Wala na pong pag-uusap [There's no more talks] and we really have to respect the decision of Mayor Inday Duterte because first she's still young and she has so many unfinished business in Davao City. We really have to respect that," Pichay said.

"At the moment, we are not hoping for any presidential candidate to come in. Even after November 15. So after November 15, I think all the party-mates will meet and then discuss what we're going to do next," he added.

Earlier, Pichay said the Lakas-CMD is open to having Sara Duterte, daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte, substitute as their standard bearer for the coming elections.

Sara, however, has repeatedly said she will not run for president. She filed her certificate of candidacy to seek a third term as mayor of Davao City on October 2.

A certain Anna Capella Velasco has filed a certificate of candidacy for president under the Lakas-CMD. According to Pichay, "she was the one who was very much willing to run for president."

Pichay also mentioned before that Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. was asked to run for the highest post in the country, but the senator denied the request.

Still, Pichay said Revilla remains to be an option.

But in a short statement, Revilla said he does not intend to seek the presidency in next year's polls.

"I am honored by the trust and confidence of the party and our kababayans, but I have no intention (running for the presidency)," Revilla said in a statement.

Under the Commission on Elections' calendar for the 2022 polls, substitution for a candidate in a national or local post can be filed from the end of the COC filing period until November 15, 2021. — with Hana Bordey/KBK/RSJ, GMA News