Vice President Sara Duterte said Tuesday that her mother had suggested that she return to Davao and allow her brother, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, to pursue a national position in the 2028 elections.
Speaking during a press briefing on October 6, Duterte clarified that she and Baste have not discussed whether he would run for president or seek another national post.
“Hindi namin napag-usapan ni Mayor Sebastian Duterte ang pagtakbo niya bilang Pangulo,” Duterte said.
She recalled that her mother had previously told her to return to Davao while Baste takes on a national political role.
“Oo, publicly nabanggit ko na ito dati... na nagsabi talaga yung nanay ko na pinapauwi niya ako ng Davao at si Baste na lang daw ang patakbuhin sa national elections,” Duterte said.
According to the vice president, the suggestion was expressed to her directly by her mother, although it was not the result of a formal discussion within the family.
“Sa pamilya namin, yun lang yung napag-usap. Ay, hindi napag-usapan. Sinabi. Sinabi nga niya sa akin, sabi niya, umuwi ka dito sa Davao. Tapos sabi niya, bahala na si Baste dyan sa national,” she said.
Duterte's remarks came after Baste appeared at the Senate, amid renewed speculation that he could be positioned as an alternative Duterte family candidate for a national post.
The vice president, however, said she has yet to personally discuss with her brother the possibility of him running in the national elections.
The Duterte siblings' political plans have drawn attention as discussions over potential 2028 presidential contenders continue, although no formal announcement has been made by Baste Duterte regarding a national candidacy.
Duterte's statement also indicates that the suggestion from their mother was not, by itself, an indication that Baste has already decided to seek the presidency or another national position.
