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Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Davao mayor's daughter asks for time, privacy
By Stella A. Estremera
DAVAO CITY -- Sara Z. Duterte, the eldest daughter of City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, broke her silence over the raging political issue asking for time and privacy.
Sara, whom the mayor had mentioned time and again as someone whom he would want to see in public office, asked for time to decide on her own without what she sees as the "popularity contest" being waged since the mayor expressed his wish for her to follow his footsteps in politics.
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The full text of the statement Duterte sent is as follows:
"It appears that there have been speculation regarding my possible candidacy for the 2007 elections and I feel the need to address this issue.
"Public service is not a responsibility which a mature person can decide on over a single night. I am only appalled at how other people can whimsically take on such a serious responsibility. Furthermore, I am not exactly ecstatic to play the 'popularity contest' that beset our political culture. I beg the indulgence of everybody and allow me to decide this matter on my own.
"All the people within my personal life are private individuals and are not a part of my professional life, nor do they intervene on this issue. I demand that respect for privacy be given where it is due.
"I will have my decision ready for public consumption before the end of January. Thank you very much for all the support and may the new year bring good things to everybody."
The mayor in earlier pronouncements said he wants his daughter, Sara, to run for vice mayor simply to prevent his former protégé, Benjamin de Guzman, from winning the vice mayoralty seat in next year's election.
Surveys showed that de Guzman is among the top choice of many Dabawenyos as vice mayor for the 2007 election.
Duterte earlier threatened to resign from office if de Guzman becomes his vice mayor. (Sun.Star Davao)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Baguio. (January 2, 2007 issue)
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