Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, the daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte, took her oath as a new member of the Lakas-CMD Thursday night, paving the way for a possible run at the presidency next year under a national party.
“The officials and members of Lakas-CMD are elated to welcome Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte as new member of our party,” said party president and House Majority Leader Martin G. Romualdez, who administered the oath at the Silang, Cavite farm of Senator Ramon Revilla Jr., party chairman.
“We had long been inviting Mayor Inday to join our party as we are all impressed with her sterling qualities as a leader and we saw up close her exemplary work ethic as chief executive of Davao City.”
Romualdez said Duterte would be a tremendous asset to the Lakas-CMD.
“I am confident that with Mayor Sara’s exceptional brand of leadership, she can help our party chart a new course that will ensure a brighter tomorrow for our children and the next generation,” Romualdez said.
Speaking in Filipino, Duterte thanked her supporters.
“Whatever happens in the next few days, I hope to give them what they want,” she said, suggesting that she could run for president as her supporters have pressed her to do.
Lakas-CMD has produced two presidents — Presidents Fidel V. Ramos and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
In a statement, Revilla said they are more than honored that the Davao mayor chose Lakas-CMD as her national party.
"We have worked with Mayor Sara in the past, and in fact continue to be allies in coalition with her former local party — Hugpong ng Pagbabago," Revilla said.
He pointed to his party’s long history of public service.
"Our Christian-Muslim-Democratic principles have guided our members in the past three decades, and we continue to build a proud legacy for the country," he said.
He guaranteed that the party would fully support Duterte- whatever journey she chooses to take.
"We will work to assure her success and triumph, which will also be the success and triumph of the party, of the nation, and of all Filipinos,” Revilla said.
Earlier, Duterte-Carpio resigned from her regional party, Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP).
HNP secretary general Anthony G. Del Rosario confirmed her departure from the party.
In her letter, the President's daughter said: "It is with profound sadness that I hereby tender my resignation from our beloved party.
"My support will always be with you and I will always be grateful for all the things you have taught me."
Del Rosario, a former congressman, said Duterte-Carpio tendered herresignation at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday.
Sources said Duterte-Carpio's resignation from her regional party is in preparation for her run for national office.
Albay Rep. Joey Salceda earlier said Duterte-Carpio will likely runfor president under the banner of Lakas-CMD as multiple sources said there are talks of a possible tandem with former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.
“We have presumptions that she’s running for president… There is no VP option for her. And picking a VP for her is not a problem,” Salceda said.
Salceda said the Davao City mayor “wanted to be president in the first place since May” but there were “stumbling blocks” that were “thrown at her from the side of her father.”
