MANILA, Philippines — Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, who is running for vice president, has accepted the endorsement of Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, a political influencer of significance in Bicol and whom she referred to as “a friend – with or without politics.”
Duterte-Carpio said she respects the decision of Salceda to support Vice President Leni Robredo instead of her running mate, former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“We will support Cong. Joey Salceda with whatever direction in politics he takes. He is a friend,” she said in Filipino during a campaign sortie in Valenzuela City last Thursday.
She also expressed confidence that Marcos would not mind her being endorsed by a Robredo supporter.
“Apo BBM already discussed and agreed that either of us will not refuse endorsements, whether individually or collectively, and we will just thank all our friends and supporters all over the country,” she said.
Salceda joins other political personalities in Bicol who support Robredo, a fellow Bicolano from Naga City.?Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian appealed to his constituents to ignore those who sow hate for the BBM-Sara UniTeam.
“Here in the UniTeam, I want to remind you that if we’re in red and green, we won’t retaliate, we won’t answer,” said Gatchalian as he referred to the tandem’s political colors and the portmanteau of “unity” and “team” that they espouse.