DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte hinted yesterday that his daughter, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, may run for congresswoman in next year’s elections.
In his television program “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa,” the elder Duterte said that a “butangera” (female bully) might run for Congress.
Sara was known for punching a court sheriff last year for refusing to delay the demolition of shanties in Agdao district here.
“I will just whisper it, but it is not sure yet. I do not know what she really decides to do. I am afraid of talking about it because she might say ‘vice, vice, come here’ and she will just punch me,” Duterte said in jest.
Pressed to name the bully he is referring to, Duterte said anything is possible, adding that the election season is still far away.
“It’s not yet time to be talking about it in public. Might as well just wait for the appropriate time before asking that question,” he said.
The first congressional district of Davao has long been controlled by members of the Nograles clan until 1998 when Duterte defeated former speaker Prospero Nograles in the congressional race.
Sara refused to give any reaction to her father’s statement.