Editorial: Davao City's Dutertes

IT WAS sort of thrilling to observe the political scene in Davao City during the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) of our local politicians.

While Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio made it clear that she will be seeking re-election as mayor, people still hoped and some speculated that she will file a COC for senator. However, come October 15, she filed her COC for mayorship in the city and shut down rumors of her running for senate.

However, during and before the filing of COCs she was quiet on who will be her running mate. Hugpong Alliance spokesperson J Melchor Quitain, Jr. said in a press conference that they will keep it a surprise. Then on the last day of the filing of COC, October 17, it was revealed that Sebastian "Baste" Duterte will be running as vice mayor as sepculated by many. The youngest of President Rodrigo Duterte and Elizabeth Zimmerman is running unopposed.

Meanwhile, the eldest of the three, Paolo Duterte, will be running for Davao City first representative after keeping quiet for months after he resigned from his post as vice mayor.

The recent developments cement the Dutertes' hold in Davao City. Prior to the filing of COC there were questions as to which Duterte sibling will be sitting on one of the elective posts in Davao City. There were questions if the city mayor and vice mayor will be a Duterte-Duterte or a Duterte and another political ally.

Meanwhile, Sara did not deny that what is happening is a political dynasty.

“We really cannot deny na, sasabihin ng mga detractors at ng opposition na this is a political dynasty. Yes, it is a political dynasty but in the sense that we are submitting ourselves to an election so it is still a democratic process,” Sara told reporters on October 17.

However, she did assure the public that they can still expect the kind of leadership they got from their family.

“They can expect that kind of leadership na tinuro sa amin ni President Duterte. Yung leadership na nakikinig sa mga tao,” Sara said.

The Duterte's hold on Davaoa City will continue on. Frankly, for many Dabawenyos if not all, they would rather have a Duterte running the city after the successful terms of former mayor and now president Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter Sara. The results are clear, during the time of the Dutertes, the city have been faring well. Despite controversies thrown at them, many Dabawenyos still have confidence and will continue to support the family.

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