Sara on supporters pushing tandem with Isko: I can't join you

Vice presidential aspirant and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte on Thursday thumbed down initiatives by some of her supporters to push for her tandem with Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, the standard-bearer of Aksyon Demokratiko party.

Duterte said she respects the preference of her supporters but she stressed that she cannot be with them on their decision.

A press release from the Lakas-CMD mentioned a group that came out last week pushing for the tandem of Moreno and Duterte or ISSA (Isko-Sara).

Duterte is running with former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. under the UniTeam.

"I truly appreciate the love of so many for me and I do not wish to impose upon you my choice for president. While I continue to respect your decision to support another presidential candidate, it is with a heavy heart that I cannot be one with you on this," Duterte, chairperson of Lakas-CMD, said.

"Despite the challenges and limitations I am facing, the groundwork for my candidacy as vice-president is moving well with the help of my volunteers and supporters nationwide, who give me strength, fortitude, and inspiration," she added.

On the ISSA tandem, the Lakas-CMD said "the idea, allegedly a brainchild of a political mercenary, backfired and turned off even their most diehard supporters."

The presidential daughter, meanwhile, reiterated her confidence with Marcos' skills and capabilities to lead the Philippines.

"Lagi ring nandyan si Bongbong Marcos, ang aking kandidato sa pagka-pangulo. Dahil sa kanyang karanasan sa pamamahala, naniniwala ako sa kahandaan at kakayahan ni BBM na pamunuan ang ating bansa. Nang nagdesisyon akong tumakbo [sa] pagka-vice-president, pinili ko pong maging ka-tandem si BBM. Dahil dito, nabuo ang Uniteam BBM-Sara," she said.

(My candidate for president, Bongbong Marcos, is always there. Because of his experiences, I believe in his capability to lead the country. When I decided to run for vice president, I really chose to have Marcos as my running mate.)

Further, Duterte also mentioned her unwavering commitment to the Lakas-CMD as well as to Marcos' Partido Federal ng Pilipinas.

"Mahalaga po sa akin ang paninindigan at isang salita. Alam ko po na pareho ang ating mga adhikain para sa ating bansa. At para magtagumpay tayo, dapat ay iisa lang ang daang ating tinatahak. Kung kaya patuloy akong umaasa ng suporta ninyo sa UniTeam," Duterte said.

(Word of honor is very important for me. I know that we have the same ideals for the country and for us to succeed, we should be on the same path. I am hoping that you continue to support UniTeam.)—LDF, GMA News