Sara on 2022 bid: I’m praying for wisdom

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is praying for wisdom, saying it is up to God whether or not she would seek the presidency in 2022, the year her father steps down as president.

“Everything is easier if it is the plan of God. Before I think about that, I should ask God first if this is for me. So we would not make mistakes, we need to pray for wisdom on how to go about it and how to decide,” Carpio said on Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s television show yesterday.

President Duterte’s daughter has been touted by several key figures of the administration and its allies as his possible replacement. 

But she has repeatedly said that it is not yet time to turn her attention to the matter as she still has the responsibility of running her family’s bailiwick.

Carpio chairs the Hugpong ng Pagbabago regional political party. Several of its senatorial bets won in the May polls. The creation of the party fueled speculation that it would serve as her springboard for a presidential run.

The mayor, seen to have engineered the ouster of Pantaleon Alvarez as House speaker, also said she does not consider herself as an influential figure among members of the House of Representatives.

Carpio said she becomes strong when she is under pressure or faces problems.

“I thrive in pressure and conflict,” she said.

She also stressed that even if the President is from Davao City, she seldom asks for help from the national government.

“The President does not like opportunities where people could say that Davao is taking advantage of his presidency,” she added.

Carpio served as vice mayor of Davao City, and had replaced her father as mayor when he sought the presidency.

She has accompanied her father to some of his official travels abroad.

Duterte has often described his daughter as a feisty woman who has her own mind, and someone he cannot control.

Carpio reportedly opposed the selection of Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano as speaker. She skipped the joint opening session of the 18th Congress, fueling speculation that it was a gesture of protest.