Duterte's Daughter Sara Runs for Vice President, Not President

Breaking Expectations for Presidential Run, Registers as Vice Presidential Candidate
Former Senator Marcos Named as 'Running Mate' for Presidential Bid

Sara, the eldest daughter of Philippine President Duterte and Mayor of Davao

[Asia Economy Reporter Minwoo Lee] Sara Duterte, the daughter of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and mayor of Davao, is unexpectedly running for vice president instead of president.

On the 13th, according to major foreign media, Christina Frasco, spokesperson for Mayor Liloan, stated, "Mayor Sara has registered as a candidate for next year's vice presidential election with the Philippine Commission on Elections," adding, "Mayor Sara will soon release a related statement."

It is also reported that Ferdinand Marcos, a former senator who has already declared his presidential bid and completed his registration last month, has named Mayor Sara as his running mate. He inherited the name of his father, the late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

The Philippines will elect the president, vice president, and about 18,000 members of the House and Senate, as well as officials, in next May's election. Candidate registration was held from the 1st to the 15th of last month for this purpose.

Mayor Sara also registered as a candidate to run again for the Davao mayoral position during this period but suddenly withdrew on the 9th. According to current Philippine election law, candidates can withdraw their registration and run for another elected position until the 15th of this month. Therefore, there was speculation that Mayor Sara, who has consistently led presidential candidate polls, would register as a presidential candidate.

The unexpected outcome has drawn attention to the future political landscape. Marcos, the former senator, naming Mayor Sara as his running mate is also considered surprising.

Meanwhile, other candidates registered for the Philippine presidential election next May include boxing hero Senator Manny Pacquiao, former actor and Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso, Vice President Leni Robredo who has opposed President Duterte, Senator Panfilo Lacson, and former police chief Ronald dela Rosa.

Local media have also reported that President Duterte may run for vice president by substituting candidates on the final registration deadline of the 15th, continuing the surprises. Initially, President Duterte declared he would run for vice president next year but reversed his decision on the 2nd, stating he would retire from politics after his term ends.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.