DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The children of President Rodrigo Duterte are now seeking elective positions in the 2019 midterm elections with his youngest son, Sebastian Duterte, the last to file his certificate of candidacy last Wednesday gunning for vice mayoral post under the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) – Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod.
Sebastian, also known as Baste, will be Sara’s running mate as the presidential daughter seeks another term as the Davao City mayor. His candidacy was kept unknown to public until during the final day of filing period.
Incumbent vice mayor Bernard Al-ag earlier waived his candidacy for Baste to be the running-mate of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio under HNP- HTL.
“I was never been in an [government] office. If I’ll be there, maybe I can tell you what I can do for the city. But all I can offer is my honesty and service,” Sebastian said, admitting that he lacks experience in politics.
The president’s youngest son is currently taking a law course in Jose Maria College here.
Meanwhile, Duterte-Carpio clarified, that she does not intend to withdraw her COC as city mayor and request for a substitution to run for a national post, similar to what President Rodrigo Duterte did before in the 2016 presidential elections.
Duterte-Carpio didn’t deny their family being a political dynasty. But she said they are submitting themselves to an election as part of the democratic process.
“It’s not good to point fingers at other. but it’s not only here in Davao City, it’s not only here in the Philippines. If you look to other countries, it’s the same…You come from a family of politicians, most likely you become a politician,” she said.(davaotoday.com)
