A PRESIDENTIAL candidate once said that positions should not be inherited (hindi pinamamana). This mayor thought it would be a clear contrast and an early dig at a sitting president. If you look at the Philippines and other countries, there are dynastic influences whether at the national or local levels. Dynasties also fall because the nature of elections is one person, one vote. There are good and bad dynasties too. And that is what separates Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio from the rest of the kids of politicians: she does not want to be with her father in an election contest. It's either her or the father. It's her team or none. It's her way of running things or she walks away. Clearly, Duterte-Carpio does not want to be defined by anyone. Duterte-Carpio is her own person, and that is why today, she is not a presidential candidate.

Duterte-Carpio does not want to give an assurance that the old guards of President Rodrigo Duterte will be with her in the run-up to the campaign period up to June 30 should Lady Luck be with her. She will get her own running mate. That is why she made public the three names that applied for it and visited her. Why is the Duterte base extremely enamored by her? It is because she is a different Duterte as Davaeños saw in her two terms as city mayor since 2016. Some say a better and kinder Duterte despite the sheriff episode in 2011.

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