Sara Duterte says she’s received ‘running mate’ offers for 2022 Philippine election

President Duterte’s daughter is leading opinion polls but has yet to disclose her political plans ahead of the October deadline to file for candidacy

One of the lawmakers who she said offered to be her VP was Christopher ‘Bong’ Go, who days ago rejected the ruling party’s endorsement as presidential candidate

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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter Sara pictured in Jerusalem in September 2018. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 7:58pm, 2 Sep 2021Updated: 7:58pm, 2 Sep 2021

The daughter of Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte has named several politicians, including her father’s closest aide and preferred successor, whom she said have offered to run with her in next year’s presidential election.

Sara Duterte-Carpio, mayor of Davao City, is leading opinion polls but has yet to disclose her political plans ahead of the October deadline to file for candidacy.

Duterte-Carpio, 43, said on Facebook that lawmakers Sherwin Gatchalian and Christopher “Bong” Go had “personally expressed their offer to run as my vice-president”.

It was unclear when Go made the offer, but Duterte-Carpio’s post late on Wednesday comes a few days after Go rejected the ruling party’s endorsement as presidential candidate.

She said other possible running mates include former defence minister Gilbert Teodoro, who made his offer via common friends, and the son and namesake of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Go said he was open to the idea.

“When I learned that there were some aspirants who wish to be Mayor Sara’s vice-president in case she runs for the presidency, I expressed my willingness to be considered,” he said in a statement on Thursday.