Will Sara Duterte-Carpio Turn Up the Heat on the 2022 Election?
In Manila on Thursday (November 11), the ever‑busy promo‑queen of Philippine politics, Sara Duterte-Carpio, announced her new affiliation with the Lakas‑CMD party. The move has everyone whispering that she’s gearing up for a national showdown – maybe even the big one in May 2022.
From Davao Mayor to Possible President
After dropping her Davao City mayoral bid this week, Sara’s name popped back into the press. People who follow the hot‑spot polling know she’s been topping the charts for the presidency all year long, yet she’s always insisted on playing coy: “I’m not really in the running.” But politics has a way of flipping scripts on a dime.
The Lakas‑CMD Play – A “National Run”?
Martin Romualdez, the congressman and president of Lakas‑CMD (the party that was once at the helm under former president Gloria Macapagal‑Arroyo), told a local radio station that Sara “joined to set up a possible national run.” In a country where last‑minute swaps can happen, the deadline for nominations is November 15.
Who’s in the Roster?
- Presidential candidates: placeholders that can morph into a star at any moment.
- Vice‑presidential slot: still to be confirmed.
We don’t know if Sara will officially sign on for the presidency, but it’s a likely possibility. Even her father’s PDP‑Laban party is said to be “watching with keen interest,” hinting that a national move from Sara would shake up the whole political landscape.
The Legendary Legacy of the Duterte Family
Roberto “Bato” Duterte, the 76‑year‑old former president, famously once said that “for a woman, the presidency is not a job.” He himself stepped back at the last minute in 2015, letting a loyal constituent take his seat. Analysts say Sara could be following in his dot‑to‑dot footsteps.
Is a Power‑Pairing on the Horizon?
Some political experts suggest a possible partnership with Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son of the former dictator who has already announced his presidential bid. If combined, it’s still “very clear” that such a duo would snowball into a political powerhouse.
Who else is Eyeing the Top Spot?
- Manny Pacquiao (ex‑boxing champ) – the unlikely pugilist with a presidential ambition.
- Leni Robredo – the sitting vice‑president with a pop‑culture influence.
- Francisco Domagoso – Manila’s mayor with a keen interest in the national arena.
- Panfilo Lacson – a seasoned senator who’s been a contender in peer conversations.
- Ronald dela Rosa – disgraced ex‑police chief looking to make a comeback.
- Ferdinand Marcos Jr. – the flippantly remapped political heir, who may or may not co‑opt a vice‑presidential partner.
What to Expect
The elections are slated for May 2022, juggling everything from president, vice‑president, governors, mayoral contests, to a swathe of provincial appointments. Everyone’s buzzing – with dramatic ticket changes that could raise the stakes like a roller‑coaster seen through a political lens.
With the winds swirling in the Philippine capital, all eyes are on Sara. If she bunks on the mayor’s office and rides the political jet, we’ll all be in for a ride. Stay tuned.
