Sara Duterte in 2022: 'Why not?'

Senators assess Sara’s prospects

BALER – While it is too early to make predictions on the 2022 presidential race, some senators find nothing objectionable in Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte succeeding her father.

Re-electionist Sen. Sonny Angara said Sara has “the makings of a good president” and Filipinos are looking for young leaders who have experience in governance.

“I think she’s one of the potential future leaders of the country because she has the qualifications – a lawyer, has heart for the masses and, of course, she has a mentor – who better to mentor her than President Duterte?” Angara told reporters here in his family’s home province of Aurora.

The senator said it was possible that Sara could succeed her father, who has gone from being a mayor straight to the presidency.

“I think nothing’s impossible now. Because President Duterte broke the barrier. He was the first mayor to go straight to president. Usually, you pass through the Senate first. So it’s not unheard of for a local official to become president,” he said.

Asked whether he would support the younger Duterte if she decides to run for president, he said: “Why not?”

Angara is one of 13 senatorial candidates endorsed by the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP), a Mindanao-based political party led by Sara.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said it was understandable if Sara was still reluctant to seek the presidency as the presidential elections is still more than three years away.

“Many things can still happen. The political landscape sees major changes after the midterm elections. So, it’s better if the issue will be ventilated after the (May) 2019 (senatorial and local elections),” Sotto told reporters.

He declined to comment further on what he said was a personal matter for the President’s daughter.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson recalled his comments to the media early into the Duterte presidency that Sara was one of the emerging leaders the nation should watch out for.

Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito, whom Sara is also endorsing for re-election, described the mayor as “principled, intelligent and firm.”

“These are good qualities of a great leader. Not to mention she has the charm,” Ejercito said.