AFTER weeks of speculation and guessing, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio's running mate was finally revealed Wednesday, October 17. As some have speculated from the beginning, it was her younger brother, Sebastian “Baste” Duterte.
This is Baste's first time to enter politics. Compared to his siblings, Baste was seen by many as someone who simply wants to enjoy life and has no plans to enter politics. We see photos of him enjoying the beach or going out with friends at some of the local bars in the city.
For a long time it was repeatedly reported that he never had plans to enter the political scene. Sara even said in an interview on Monday that the initial response of Baste when he was asked to run for mayor was a “no.”
But with a political scene like the Philippines, there is no shortage of surprises and twists during election season.
While it came as no surprise to some, Baste's filing of his certificate for candidacy at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Wednesday can still be a bit of surprising. This considering previous reports that he had no intention to enter politics. He is also running unopposed, by the way.
The Dutertes have once again cemented their foothold in Davao City. With a new Duterte entering the political scene as an aspiring vice mayor, we wonder how the dynamics between Baste and Sara.
We wonder how Baste will be able to cope with the demands of the position after his admittance that he lacks experience.
“Hindi ko talaga alam kung ano pa. Kasi I have never experience anything. I was never in an office,” Baste said in an interview yesterday.
Though he did mention that he might be able to determine what he can offer once elected as vice mayor.
“Kung nandyan na talaga ako, siguro I can tell you what I can offer in Davao City. Pero all I can offer is my honesty, tsaka yung serbisyo talaga,” Baste said.
With all three children of President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Elizabeth Zimmerman running for elective posts in the city, the political scene in Davao City will surely be more exciting in the years to come.
What do the young Dutertes have in store for Dabawenyos now that they are all in the political arena?