Sara cites word of honor, says Bongbong is her president

Vice presidential aspirant and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte maintained her commitment to her tandem with presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

This as some groups and local officials began pushing for Duterte's tandem with other presidential candidates like Vice President Leni Robredo and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.

In a video message released on Wednesday, Duterte acknowledged the trust given to her by the public as she stressed that Marcos is her president.

“Once again, let me reiterate that I am aware that many of you wish to see me with another presidential candidate. I take that as a sign of confidence in me as a leader and for that, I am truly, deeply touched and honored,” I Duterte said.

“But I am a person, a woman, a leader who values commitment and word of honor. I am running for the position of vice president and my president is Bongbong Marcos,” she added.

Duterte said the BBM-Sara UniTeam Alliance “agreed to run together with a singular purpose of improving the lives of the Filipinos and making the Philippines a stronger country.”

“The presidency was the option for Apo BBM as it was for me. I chose the vice presidency,” Duterte said.

“Again, I intend to honor the commitment of my parties the Lakas - Christian Muslim Democrats and Hugpong Ng Pagbabago, that is to support Bongbong Marcos as the president. I continue to pray and call on my friends to trust that the UniTeam will serve the country with fairness, love, honor, and dedication, the way patriots should,” she said.

Albay Representative Joey Salceda, Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez, and Zamboanga City Mayor Isabelle Climaco led the launch of ROSA (Robredo-Sara) movement, which is a group of volunteers that is pushing for the tandem of Robredo and Duterte in the May elections.

The group said it is time for women to lead the country, saying that Robredo and Duterte have been efficient in delivering social services to the people, especially during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to that, some groups and supporters also pushed for an Isko-Sara tandem, or the ISSA.

Meanwhile, Duterte said that with only 48 days before the Election Day in May, her candidacy continues to move forward as it is “encouraged and inspired by the overwhelming welcome from thousands after thousands of Filipinos across the country.”

“We are barely half the journey but I would not reach this point in the campaign without the support of many local leaders, politicians, businessmen, people in non-government organizations, and the academe, youth groups, women’s organizations, the Moro people, tribal leaders and their communities, members of the LGBT, the ordinary citizens who trust in me and value my cause,” Duterte said.—LDF, GMA News