* Prominent political figures expressed their support for Sara’s Presidential bid
By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – Vice President Sara Z. Duterte said she was surprised that several visiting political figures publicly expressing their support for her 2028 presidential run during the concluding Parada Dabawenyo event of the 89th Araw ng Dabaw celebration in Davao City on March 28.
Speaking to reporters, Vice President Duterte said she did not expect backing from guests outside Davao City, many of whom she does not personally know. She also noted their support for her call for justice over the alleged kidnapping of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte whose birthday falls on the event.
Joining the celebration were Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Cavite Rep. Francisco Barzaga, Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, former Commission on Elections commissioner Rowena Guanzon, and former Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez.
Aside from Barzaga, Vice President Duterte said she has no personal ties with the visitors, who all extended greetings to the city and expressed their support. She only met Guanzon for the second time during the Araw ng Dabaw celebration.
“I do not know them personally, except for Congressman Kiko Barzaga, whom I worked with in 2022. They are not my friends,” the Vice President said, adding that she appreciates the show of support as a reflection of Davaoeños’ sentiments during the annual celebration.
The Vice President emphasized that she is not currently focusing on political alignments or building a Senate slate, despite being approached by some groups. Her priority remains her duties at the Office of the Vice President and serving the Filipino people.
Several officials and political figures voiced their support for Vice President Duterte during the event. Her youngest brother, Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, openly endorsed her as the country’s next leader, urging attendees to back her candidacy.
Former Comelec commissioner Rowena Guanzon highlighted the Dutertes’ leadership qualities and called for unity across political lines. This, after she narrated how she first met former President Rodrigo R. Duterte when she was in Davao City and when he was running for President.
Isabela Vice Mayor Jeryll Harold Respicio and former Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez also expressed strong backing, citing the Duterte family’s track record of public service and governance, and calling for continued vigilance against corruption.
Guests, including Representatives Leviste and Barzaga, lauded Davao City’s tourism and infrastructure development, stable peace which are prime factors in the unprecedented investments in the City.
Local political leaders in attendance were Sen. Bong Go, Vice Mayor Rodrigo S. d Duterte II, 2nd District Rep. Omar Vincent S. Duterte, 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab, and Pwersa ng Pilipinong Pandagat party-list Rep. Harold Duterte. Congressman Paolo Duterte flew to The Hague to be with FPRRD on his birthday.
The event gathered local officials, national figures, and supporters, many of whom reiterated calls for unity and leadership change ahead of the 2028 elections, with Vice President Duterte emerging as a central figure in their statements of support.
