Gibo says Sara Duterte's decision not to pursue presidency prompted his Senate bid

Former Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. on Monday said he decided to run for senator in the 2022 elections after Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte did not file a certificate of candidacy for president.

“Since Mayor Sara did not file her COC and she did not make any commitment to do so, upon consultation with close advisers, friends, and the public, running for senator was their advice,” Teodoro told CNN Philippines.

Teodoro, who had earlier volunteered to be Sara Duterte's running-mate if ever she runs for president, said it would be unlikely for him now to run for the second highest position in the land.

Despite clamor from her supporters for her to run for president, Sara, daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte, filed her COC for reelection instead.

According to Teodoro, Sara Duterte did not personally tell him about her plan to pursue reelection.

Teodoro, who took a break from politics after an unsuccessful presidential run in 2010, said he would use his connections in the local levels and social media to win the elections.

Regarding his platforms, Teodoro said he wants to have more aggressive efforts to protect the West Philippines Sea, and that he opposes the resumption of peace talks with communist rebels.

He also said he supports easier access to the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) of high government officials such as the president and vice president.

Teodoro said he also opposes the imposition of death penalty even in drug-related offenses. —KBK, GMA News