Vice presidential aspirant and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Sunday said she is not entertaining the possibility of replacing her running mate, former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., calling such talks as “exceptionally unpleasant” especially since neither of them has yet to win the elections.
“Personally, I find talks about me possibly replacing President Bongbong Marcos exceptionally unpleasant as, in reality, both of us are yet to win the elections. It is putting the cart before the horse,” she said in a press statement.
“I am not entertaining the thoughts of a possible replacement as I also do not look forward to a scenario of a disqualified BBM — before or after the elections,” she added.
She said there is no discussion between her and Marcos about the disqualification charges against him.
“I maintain that the disqualification cases filed against BBM have no basis at all—orchestrated by anti-Marcos forces desperate to regain control of our country, never mind if they sow divisiveness among our people, never mind if they undermine our freedom, never mind if they make a mockery of our laws,” she said.
Duterte is vying for the vice presidential seat under the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party while Marcos is running under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas.
They decided to run as a tandem, calling themselves the “UniTeam.”
In an interview with TV host Korina Sanchez aired on Saturday, Marcos admitted being worried about the disqualification cases filed against him but acknowledged the possibility that his running mate, Duterte-Carpio, could become president if the petition against him is granted.
“Yes. If I am disqualified,” Marcos said when asked if the scenario of Duterte-Carpio replacing him as president is possible.
“Of course. I take everything seriously. I worry about everything. But I do not let it distract me from the campaign,” Marcos added.
The Commission on Elections has yet to rule on the petition to disqualify Marcos over his failure to file income tax returns and alleged failure to pay the corresponding tax deficiency.