Sara thanks group urging her to run for president

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — She is still not saying if she will run for president in 2022, but the daughter of President Duterte, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, thanked those behind the “Run, Sara, Run” campaign.

The group posted photos and videos on Facebook of motorcades in Ilocos provinces on Sunday urging the mayor to run in the 2022 presidential elections.

“I am grateful for their trust and confidence in me and what I can do and how I can help. Thank you,” Carpio said in a radio interview on Monday.

It was the first time that Carpio expressed her gratitude to those urging her to seek the presidency to replace her father President Duterte when his term ends.

Carpio has repeatedly said that the 2022 presidential race is farthest from her mind as she is focused on addressing the health and economic problems brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an interview on GMA News on Sunday, Carpio said she understands where her supporters are coming from, adding that she was anxious about where the Philippines is going as a nation.

But if ever she would run for president, she said it would be during the 2034 elections.

Carpio had earlier warned those soliciting funds for her campaign in next year’s polls, saying she has not allowed anyone to do so.

The President said she told his daughter not to run as he does not want her to experience what he is going through.