Paolo Duterte to run for Congress, Sara for mayor

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Presidential son and former Davao City vice mayor Paolo Duterte will run for Congress next year in a bid to represent the city’s first district.

His sister, Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio yesterday said Paolo would seek the congressional seat in the 2019 midterm elections.

Paolo earlier resigned as vice mayor following accusations hurled by Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV linking him to a P6.4 billion shabu shipment.

Sara said she would seek re-election as the city’s chief executive even if she was among the Top 5 in the recent Pulse Asia survey for senator in the 2019 polls.

“I am honored and overwhelmed by the trust of the people, but I will run as mayor this coming elections,” she said.

She added that she has already chosen a runningmate, but declined to reveal who it is.

Hugpong ng Pagbabago, the mayor’s local party, earlier came out with its slate for local elections. The list cited her as running for re-election.

The political group is also expected to come up with a slate shortly before the filing of certificates of candidacy this month.