Lakas-CMD prefers Sara to run for president in Eleksyon 2022 — Romualdez

House Majority Leader and Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Friday said the party wants Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte to run for president in the May 2022 national elections.

During a virtual presser, Romualdez was asked if the party wants Mayor Sara to run for president or vice president. He said the Lakas-CMD wants the "highest" position but still, they will support whatever Mayor Sara's decision is.

"Well obviously when Mayor Inday joined the party, these are two options. Whenever you make decision such as this, the candidate has most at stake. We like to support the candidate's personal decision. We would obviously want to have the highest position but we also respect the prerogative of the candidate," Romualdez said at a virtual press conference.

According to Romualdez, Mayor Sara will most likely reveal her decision over the weekend. The Lakas-CMD is still having discussions if it will field a vice presidential candidate if indeed Mayor Sara seeks the presidency.

'No conflict'

Meanwhile, Romualdez was asked if he sees himself being caught in the middle once Mayor Sara indeed runs for president and former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. will still vie for the highest position in the country. Romualdez is a cousin of Marcos.

In response, he said he sees himself not being in a difficult position given that the Davao City mayor and the former lawmaker are friends.

"I don't foresee a conflict. Mayor Sara and Senator Bongbong Marcos are good friends. They have been communicating, they have been in dialogue. I don't foresee them having a conflict therefore I don't foresee myself getting caught in the middle," Romualdez said.

The House leader further expressed hope that the two would build an alliance and work together for the betterment of the country. 

"I'm hoping for that... Discussions between the two have been along those lines eh. We're thinking very positively about this. If anything, we're in the middle of getting two excellent leaders that can serve the country," he said.

Meanwhile, Romualdez was also asked about a possible term-sharing between Mayor Sara and Marcos, an idea that was floated by Lakas-CMD co-chairman and Quezon Governor Danilo Suarez, as quoted by news reports.

Romualdez said he has not talked with Suarez regarding the matter.

"In my opinion that's a matter that the candidates should think of or consider but offhand, in my opinion, I don't think that is even necessary to consider," Romualdez said.

Romualdez welcomed Mayor Sara as the party's new member on Thursday as the latter took oath in Silang, Cavite.

The Lakas-CMD has since invited Mayor Inday to join the party as according to Romualdez, they are impressed with her sterling qualities as a leader.

To recall, one Anna Capella Velasco had filed a certificate of candidacy for president under the Lakas-CMD while one Lyle Fernando Uy also filed COC for vice president under Lakas-CMD.

This means Mayor Sara can choose to substitute either of them to run for a national post. — RSJ, GMA News