Mayor Sara Z. Duterte on Monday thanked the individuals behind the “Run, Sara, Run” campaign who are urging her to run for the 2022 Presidential elections.
“I am grateful for their trust and confidence in me and what I can do and how I can help. Thank you,” Duterte said in a radio interview.
The statement came after photos circulating in social media showed people distributing with the words “Run, Sara, Run,” urging the Presidential daughter to follow the steps of her father, President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
A Facebook Page named “ISDA-Inday Sara Duterte Ako” posted photos of various motorcades held in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan on Sunday (Jan. 31), calling the Davao City mayor to heed their call and run for President in 2022.
The group also vowed to continue their advocacy to convince Duterte to accept the challenge.
However, in her interview with GMA News on Sunday, Duterte said she understood where her supporters are coming from and that she, too, is anxious about where the Philippines is going as a nation.
“I am always grateful that I have their trust and confidence. I am pleading to them to please allow me to run for President in 2034 if at that time there is something I can do to help the country,” she told GMA News.
Last week, Duterte warned the public of individuals asking or soliciting money as “campaign funds” for her potential candidacy in the 2022 presidential elections.
“News has reached me that individuals are asking for money from people and groups, including businessmen, to allegedly use it as a campaign fund for my presidential bid,” Mayor Sara said in a video provided by the City Information Office on Thursday (Jan. 28).
Duterte made it clear that she did not permit anyone to raise funds for any reason and that the public is advised not to believe or contribute any amount to these unscrupulous individuals.
Mayor Sara said any election fundraising in her name is “purely a scam or some kind of fraud” and must be reported to the police.
The Presidential daughter remains coy on the possibility of entering next year’s presidential derby. (PNA)