VICE President Sara Duterte announced on Tuesday that three members of the Duterte family will run for the Senate in the May 2025 elections.
Duterte made the announcement during an ambush interview at the 2024 Pride Reception in Cagayan de Oro, hosted by her office for the LGBTQ community.
The event was attended by LGBTQ representatives from various regions.
When asked about her potential role as the new face of the opposition, the Vice President stated that her current focus is on the transition of the new Department of Education Secretary.
“Ang priority natin ngayon ay magkaroon nang maayos na transisyon from old Secretary to the new Secretary of the Department of Education,” she said.
Duterte did not disclose the reaction of President Ferdinand Marcos to her resignation as Education Secretary, saying, “Sa ibang panahon pag-uusapan natin yan.”
Regarding her relationship with the President, she briefly commented, “I believe na magkakaibigan pa rin kami.”
Confirming the political plans of her family, Duterte said, “Lahat sila willing na tumakbo eh (as Senator), si PRRD (Rodrigo Duterte), yong Kuya ko si Paola Duterte, yong Congressman, at Sebastian Duterte.”
She also mentioned discussions about her returning to Davao City to run for mayor again, though she did not provide further details. Duterte clarified that she has no plans to resign as Vice President.
During the event, the President’s office provided cash assistance of P15,000 each to 20 beneficiaries from the LGBTQ community as a form of livelihood support.
Duterte encouraged the LGBTQ community to pursue education through the Alternative Learning Center (ALS) to obtain high school equivalency diplomas.
Cagayan de Oro City Councilor Mercedes Balaba, a strong supporter of the Dutertes, pledged her continued support for the family’s political plans.
She highlighted the affinity of former President Duterte with Cagayan de Oro, noting his Roa lineage. Balaba assured that solid Duterte supporters in Cagayan de Oro would remain united.
“Medyo malakas ang affinity at suporta nang mga Kagay-anon,” Balaba said, adding that she and other supporters would back the Dutertes all the way.
