VP-elect Sara and Mayor-elect Baste Duterte, during the latter’s oath-taking. MindaNews file photo by MANMAN DEJETO
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 26 June) — Former President Rodrigo Duterte and his sons Paolo and Sebastian are “raring to run” for senator in 2025, Vice President Sara Duterte said in an interview with reporters in Cagayan de Oro on Tuesday that was published on the Facebook page of Sonshine Media Network International run by the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
“Lahat sila raring na tumakbo eh. Si PRRD (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte) senator, ‘yung kuya ko si Paolo Duterte, ‘yung congressman ngayon, senator. Si Sebastian Duterte, senator, [They are raring to run. PRRD will run as senator, my elder brother Paolo Duterte will run as senator, Sebastian Duterte will run as senator]” the Vice President, the former President’s daughter said.
“Tatlo ang Duterte next year… yes, confirmed ‘yan (Three Dutertes next year, that’s confirmed),” Duterte, who recently resigned as Education secretary, said.
She added that Sebastian, commonly known as “Baste,” may even run for president in 2028.
“My father said Baste will run [for president] in 2028. My mother said I will return as mayor of Davao City,” she said in the vernacular.
When asked if she would resign as vice president, she said, “Wala, wala ganoong usapan (No, there’s no such talks)”.
Last week, Duterte rendered her “irrevocable” resignation as secretary of the Department of Education and as vice chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
Former President Duterte had said in one of his press conferences that “ayaw ko na, i’m too old” to run for any public office.
“I am retired. Wala na ako (I’m done). I’m telling you the truth,” the elder Duterte, who served Davao City in various posts from 1986 to 2016 (22 years as mayor) and as the country’s 16th President and the first Mindanawon to hold the country’s highest post.
“Maskin ginusto ko man, di na kaya ng katawan ko (Even if I want to, my body won’t allow me),” he added.
Baste, meanwhile, said in a vlog last March 11 that “wala talaga, ayaw ko” (I really don’t want it), referring to a possible run for the Senate.
Paolo has yet to make a statement. (Ian Carl Espinosa/MindaNews)