Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s political group has been recognized as a regional political party.
Commission on Elections spokesperson James Jimenez confirmed that the poll body has accredited Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s “Hugpong ng Pagbabago” Party as a regional political party.
In a text message, Jimenez said this means that the poll body will allow the party to field candidates for the 2019 midterm elections.
“That’s confirmed. It was approved because they met all the requirements set by law,” Jimenez said. “It means they can field candidates as a political party from here on out, for as long as the party’s registration stays current.”
Mayor Carpio formed the HNP with four governors from Region 11 with the blessing of her father, President Rodrigo Duterte. It began nationwide recruitment two days ago.
HNP is expected to join President Duterte’s party, Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), and the Liberal Party in seeking local positions and seats in Congress.