Presidential aspirants react to Sara's move to drop reelection bid

At least two presidential aspirants gave varying reactions to the decision of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte to drop her reelection bid in the 2022 elections.

Vice President Leni Robredo said they were not surprised by Sara's decision while the camp of former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said such move "deserves respect."

Sara, daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte, withdrew her certificate of candidacy for mayor on Tuesday amid speculations that she is gunning for a national post in next year's elections.

According to Robredo, Sara running for a national position "won't change the way we do things because we don't move depending on who our opponents are."

Robredo also said she believes such development could work in their favor.

"Tingin ko [I think], it can work to our advantage dahil mas klaro kung sino, ano iyong mga pinaglalaban, ano iyong mga paniniwala, sino iyong magkakakampi [because it will beocme clear what the candidates stand for, and who is allied with whom], she said in a press conference in Batangas.

Robredo's running-mate, Senator Francis Pangilinan, said their tandem is not affected by such development.

"I expected this, and now that it's happening. Basta kami tuloy-tuloy lang sa aming kampanya, sa pag-iikot. Sa pag-iikot, sa pagko-consolidate ng ating mga supporters. Tuloy-tuloy lang tayo na umiikot para mapalakas iyong hanay ng mga supporters natin [We will press on going around, consolidating and expanding our ranks)," he said.

For his part, lawyer Vic Rodriguez, Marcos' chief of staff and spokesperson, said commenting on Sara's decision and possible plan "is very inappropriate."

"Such idea deserves respect and any comment for or against it is very inappropriate," Rodriguez said in a statement.

"In the meantime, let us all just wait for what her decision would be," he added.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, meanwhile, brushed aside Sara's "politics," saying they would rather focus on their Eleksyon 2022 campaign.

"Wala naman akong pakialam sa kung ano ang gusto nilang gawin sa pulitika nila (Sara Duterte camp)," presidential aspirant Moreno told reporters in Bataan, where he was joined by his running mate Dr. Willie Ong and senatorial bets Dr. Carl Balita, Samira Gutoc and Jopet Sison.

(I don't care about their plans on politics.)

"Kami ni Doc Willie tumakbo, nagdesisyon nang maaga, sumali. Isinumite namin ang ating aplikasyon sa taumbayan, para sa taumbayan," he added.

(Doc Willie and I decided early and joined the elections. We submitted our application for our people.)

Moreno further said he is busy "reaching as many people as possible."

"'Yung kanila, wala naman kami doon e 'di naman kami kasali sa politika. Buhay nila 'yun," he said.

(We do not belong to their politics. That's their life.)

Senator Manny Pacquiao, another presidential aspirant, wished Mayor Sara nothing but the good things ahead.

"I'm surprised by her decision but whatever plans she might have in the future, I wish her well," Pacquiao said in a separate video message. 

For labor leader and presidential bet Leody de Guzman, it is better for Sara to pursue the presidency to allow people to express their sentiments through the ballot.

"Mainam nang sumabak si Sara Duterte sa pagkapangulo. Para mas maiparamdam ng masa ang pagkamuhi sa palpak at marahas na gobyerno ng kanyang ama," he wrote on Twitter, reacting to Sara's dropping of Senate bid.

(Better for Sara to run for presidency. So that people will show their hate on the failure and impunity of her father's administration.)—KBK/RSJ, GMA News