VP Sara joins Baricuatro’s rally but no endorsement

CEBU, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte yesterday joined the solidarity rally of Cebu gubernatorial candidate Pamela Baricuatro in Carcar City, while maintaining her earlier stance that she would not endorse any local candidate.

Despite the absence of a formal endorsement, Baricuatro insisted that the vice president is backing her gubernatorial bid.

“Hand raising is not the only symbol of being endorsed. It’s the fact nga nianhi si Inday Sara in Carcar, kalayo ani, gianhi gyud ko niya ug gianhi niya ang katawhan. So, that alone is an enough endorsement and she keeps on referring to me as the governor, nidako gyud akong atay ato noh. It’s a sign of things to come,” said Baricuatro.

Baricuatro also expressed confidence that she would win the upcoming elections against veteran and re-electionist Governor Gwen Garcia.

“One hundred and one percent basta dili lang tikasay,” she said.

Duterte was accompanied by Senator Imee Marcos, whom she described as "different from her brother" and whom she has endorsed for the Senate.

Former Lapu-Lapu City mayor and mayoralty aspirant Paz Radaza, her running mate Atty. Michael Dignos, and congressional aspirant Ryan Jay Yuson, all PDP members, were also present at the event.

In her message, Duterte thanked the Cebuanos for their continued support for her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte. The rally was organized by Solid Inday Sara Supporters and Volunteers. — (FREEMAN)