Hugpong members saddened by Sara's resignation

MEMBERS of Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod were saddened by the resignation of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio as president of the local political party.

Councilors Jimmy Dureza and April Marie Dayap said that although they felt sad by the development, Hugpong members have to respect the mayor's decision.

"I believe in her leadership all the time. I always respect her decision," Dayap said, adding that she believes what Mayor Duterte-Carpio did was for the good of the party.

"Nasubo ko sa pag-resign n'ya kay as mayor, sya ang president sa Hugpong. Pero gina respeto namu na kay tungod pud sa iyang pag buntis (I was saddened by her resignation since as mayor she is the president of Hupgong. But we respect that because she is also pregnant)," Dureza said.

Dureza said he expects Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, founder of Hugpong, to call for a meeting soon to discuss the matter and pick who will replace Mayor Duterte-Carpio as president.

The second district councilor said the mayor's resignation won't affect the party since she only quit as president and not as member of Hugpong.

"Magpadayon gihapon ang iyang suporta (Her support will contimue)," Dureza said.

Councilor Pilar Braga said the mayor has to take care of herself since she is expected to give birth next month.

"We cannot stop her," Braga said.

Other councilors refused to comment on the matter, saying they really don't know the reason for Mayor Duterte-Carpio's resignation.

"As of now wala pa mi nakadawat ug formal notice (We have not received any formal notice yet)," Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre said.

The mayor, who is not seeking reelection in the coming May 13 elections, on Monday resigned as president of Hugpong and took a two-month maternity leave.

Vice Mayor Duterte, the mayor's father, is the standard bearer for Hugpong in the mayoral race. (Arianne Caryl N. Casas)