Lakas-CMD: Ex-President Arroyo had no hand in Sara VP bid

The Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) on Monday clarified that the decision of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte to run for vice president in the coming elections did not come from former Philippine leader Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Arroyo is the chairperson emeritus of the Lakas-CMD.

"The idea of her running as vice president did not originate from former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo," the Lakas-CMD said in a press statement.

"There was no meeting, planned or cancelled, between former President Arroyo and Mayor Duterte in Balesin," it said.

The party also said there were "no summons for former Senator Bongbong Marcos to go to Balesin."

Mayor Sara was in Balesin last Thursday to attend the birthday celebration of Speaker Lord Allan Velasco. After that, she attended the wedding of the daughter of Lakas-CMD chairman Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. in Cavite where she also took oath as new member of the party.

The Lakas-CMD stressed that it has since committed to any national aspirations of Mayor Sara.

"As earlier stated by party President [Martin] Romualdez, Lakas-CMD is elated with Sara joining Lakas because of her sterling qualities as a leader and we saw up close her exemplary work ethic as chief executive of Davao City," it said.

Over the weekend, President Rodrigo Duterte claimed that Marcos Jr. influenced his daughter Sara into seeking the vice presidency in the coming elections.

The President said he is opposing Mayor Sara's decision to run for vice president.

"'Yung decision nila ang ayaw ko na tatakbo siya (Sara). I am sure 'yung pagtakbo ni Sara ay desisyon nila Bongbong 'yun," Duterte had said.

(I do not approve of their decision for Sara to run. I am sure Bongbong decided for her.)

Mayor Sara had filed a certificate of candidacy under Lakas-CMD after Lyle Uy, Lakas-CMD's initial vice presidential aspirant for 2022, withdrew his application and named the Davao City mayor as his substitute.

Mayor Sara said she decided to run for vice president in response to appeals from her supporters for her to serve the country.

Mayor Sara was already adopted by Marcos Jr.'s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas as its bet for vice president.  — RSJ, GMA News