Vice President Sara Duterte expressed surprise after several visiting political figures publicly voiced support for her possible 2028 presidential bid during the Parada Dabawenyo, which capped the 89th Araw ng Dabaw celebration, at San Pedro Square on Saturday.
The vice president said she did not expect the show of support, especially from guests who are not from Davao and whom she does not personally know.
“Nagulat ako kanina na maraming mga bisita na hindi taga Davao at nagsalita na sila at nagbigay na sila at nagpahayag na sila ng kanilang suporta para sa aking kandidatura sa 2028 at syempre suporta sa ating panawagan ng hustisya sa ginawang pag-kidnap kay dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte,” she said on the sidelines of the activity.
Among those present during the 89th Araw ng Dabaw celebration were Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga, Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, former Comelec commissioner Rowena Guanzon, and former Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez.
Duterte clarified that aside from Barzaga, whom she worked with during the 2022 campaign, she has no personal relationship with the visiting personalities.
“Yan din ang naisip ko kanina. We welcome everyone to the celebration of Araw ng Dabaw. Pero pareho tayo ng iniisip. Kanina, hindi ko kasi yan sila maliban kay Congressman Kiko Barzaga na nakasama ko noong 2022 campaign. At yun lang yun, ang pagsasama at pag-uusap namin, lahat sila ay hindi ko kilala, hindi ko kaibigan,” she said.
She added that her encounter with Guanzon had been minimal and purely official.
“In fact, si Atty. Rowena Guanzon is the second time na nakita ko siya. Unang nakita ko siya ay siya ang presiding officer sa Commission on Elections nung kami ay nag-apply para sa Hugpong Ng Pagbabago. At hanggang doon lang yun, hindi pa nga kami nagkausap doon,” Duterte said.
Despite her surprise, the vice president expressed appreciation for the support, noting that it reflects sentiments shared by many Dabawenyos.
“Kaya nakakataba ng puso na merong hindi Taga Davao na pareho ang nararamdaman ng karamihan ng mga Dabawenyo. Lalong-lalo na sa celebration ng Araw ng Dabaw,” she added.
Duterte also extended a birthday wish for her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, who turned 81.
“Oh, of course! For an 81 year old, isa lang ang birthday wish natin lahat. And that is, he be given another year of good health sa atoang Ginoo,” she said.
When asked if she had called him, she said she had not, citing their usual weekend routine.
“Pag Saturdays, pag weekends, walang tawag no. So hindi ko siya nag-greet ngayong araw na ito. At matagal na rin siya hindi tumatawag sa akin. Pero kampante ang loob ko dahil nandun naman si Congressman Paolo Duterte para bumisita sa kanya araw araw at imasahe siya at meron siyang kausap in Bisaya,” she added.
