Although former President Rodrigo Duterte has denied plans to run for Senate in 2025, Vice President Sara Duterte remarked, “that remains to be seen,” indicating that last-minute changes can occur during the filing of candidacies.
“Sabi nila? Well, that remains to be seen kasi nga sabi ko ‘di ba, wala pa naman ‘yung filing of candidacies. So hindi natin alam kung sino ‘yung mga tatakbo for senators sa midterm elections,” Duterte said in an ambush interview on Thursday.
(They said that? Well, that remains to be seen because the filing of candidacies is not here yet. We don’t know yet who will run for the Senate in the midterm elections.)
“At saka, by my experience, up to the last minute, nagbabago ang decision ng mga tao. Kaya hindi natin alam kung anong mangyayari bukas. ‘Yan ang lagi kong sinasabi,” she added.
(By my experience, up to the last minute, people change their decisions. We don’t know what will happen the next day. That’s what I’m saying.)
Back in June, Vice President Duterte mentioned that her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, along with her siblings Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and Representative Paolo Duterte, would seek Senate seats in the 2025 midterm elections.
However, in July, the former President denied aiming for a Senate seat.
“Maniwala kayo kay Inday? I-jamming ka niyan nang husto lalo na pag balabag ang mga tanong, sagutin ka ng balabag niyan,” the Duterte patriarch said in a press conference in Davao City.
(Are you believing Inday? She won’t answer you properly if you don’t ask the right questions.)
“Saan ka makakita dito, tatay pati dalawang anak magtakbo [sa Senado],” he said, adding that he will not return to politics as his time is already over.
(Would you believe a father and his two sons all seeking Senate seats?)
Twelve seats will be available in the Senate next year.