MANILA, Philippines — Despite her strong survey numbers, Davao City mayor and presidential daughter Sara Duterte is not running for a national post, President Rodrigo Duterte said.
"Ang anak ko, si (My daughter) Inday, I can tell you I know her. Hindi magtatakbo ‘yan ng national. Ganun lang ‘yan (She won't seek a national post. She's just like that)," Duterte said during the anniversary of the National Security Council and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency in Pasay City Tuesday night.
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Inday is the nickname of Sara.
Sara was in the winning circle in the latest Pulse Asia survey on the 2019 senatorial elections.
The nationwide survey, which was conducted from June 15 to 21, found 46.2 percent of respondents saying they would support the mayor, giving her a statistical ranking of 3rd to 5th. The mayor was behind Sen. Grace Poe, Taguig City Rep. Pia Cayetano and Sen. Cynthia Villar.
Sara has said she was overwhelmed by the poll results but has yet to announce her plans for next year.
Duterte, whose family is an influential clan in Davao City, also reaffirmed his support for a law banning political dynasties.
"I am in favor of putting up... a dynasty law. I am okay with that. I have no problem," the president said.
Last March, Duterte expressed doubts that an anti-dynasty bill would be enacted by Congress, which is dominated by political families. He said there were instances when voters want the children of politicians to continue the programs of their parents.
The president cited his political career in Davao City, where he served as mayor for more than two decades. He said Davaoeños backed Sara because they want her to continue his law and order policies. — Alexis Romero