PRP: Roque seen to run for Senate as substitute candidate

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque is expected to push through with his aspiration to become a senator as a substitute candidate of the People's Reform Party, the group has said.

According to a party press release, Roque is expected to join former Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro as a PRP senatorial candidate via substitution.

"Will see," Roque told GMA News Online when asked about his candidacy as a substitute. 

Aside from Teodoro, Paulo Mario Martelino has filed a COC for senator under PRP. 

Roque has said that he would only run for a Senate seat if Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte would run for president.

The deadline for filing certificates of candidacy came and went on Oct. 8 but President Rodrigo Duterte's daughter didn't file a COC for president.

She filed a COC for reelection as mayor.

Supporters of the Davao mayor are hoping that she would run for president as a substitute candidate.

Rey David, PRP vice president, said the party would give its full support to Sara if she decided to seek the presidency.

“We in the PRP are hoping that Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte will heed the call of the people who have given their trust and support for her in presidential surveys,” David said in a statement. -Richa Noriega/NB, GMA News