Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, according to her spokesperson, will seek reelection next year.

Some have refused to give up though and still hopes that the 43-year-old First Daughter would run for president and file her Certificate of Candidacy between October 1 and 8.

If she does, there will be continuity in government programs, Cavite 1st District Rep. Francis Abaya said on Friday.

In an interview, Abaya noted that Duterte’s qualities of being “independent-minded and principled” convinced him to support her should she change her mind.

“I especially liked her stand not to run when her father said he will run for Vice President, because they have an agreement that only one Duterte should hold (a) national office. That, for me, shows Mayor Sara is a very principled politician, and is not an opportunist,” Abaya said after he joined the Hugpong Para Kay Sara group, which is clamoring for the mayor to seek the presidency.

“There is just no way I can ignore the kindness and support of the President and his daughter, especially now when my constituents in the first district continue to suffer because of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

He said assistance keeps on coming even if he is from the opposition Liberal Party.

“Walang opo-oposisyon sa mag-amang Duterte, maging ang Pangulo o si Mayor Sara. Kapag kailangan mo ng tulong, naroon sila (For the Duterte family, there is no opposition. If you are in need, they will be there),” he said.

Liloan, Cebu Mayor Christina Frasco, Duterte’s spokesperson, confirmed on September 16 that the presidential daughter will seek another term.

Duterte likewise said in a previous video message that she has an agreement with her father that only one in the family will run as either President or Vice President at a given time. (PNA)