Arroyo says Sara ‘a rising star’ in Philippine politics

Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. INQUIRER file photo / JUNJIE MENDOZA

MANILA, Philippines — Davao Mayor and presidential daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio is “a rising star in Philippine politics,” House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo believes.

“Let me just say she is a rising star in Philippine politics even Senator Ping (Panfilo) Lacson saw that but let’s take it one election at a time lets make sure first the good people are elected now and let us talk about 2022 later on,” Arroyo said in an interview on Wednesday when asked to comment on Duterte-Carpio’s possible presidential run in 2022.

The former president and now Pampanga 2nd district congresswoman also said that “historically, children of presidents do rise.”

“She has a big chance. She’s a rising star in Philippine politics and let me just put it this way historically children of presidents do rise,” she added.

On Monday, Duterte-Carpio, founder of regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago, did not fully dismiss the possibility of running as the country’s next Chief Executive when her father, President Rodrigo Duterte, finishes his term. She said she would decide by January 2021.

“It needs money, machinery at pinaka importante sa lahat yung wisdom at guidance ng Panginoon. Siguro gawa na lang tayo ng deadline, January of 2021,” the Davao mayor said.

(It needs money and machinery, but the most important thing is wisdom and guidance from the Lord.  Maybe, let’s just set a deadline, January 2021.

READ: Sara Duterte to decide on presidential bid by 2021 | Sara mum on possible 2022 showdown with Robredo

Lacson, meanwhile, maintained that Duterte-Carpio remains his “top choice” among the “young, fresh, and new faces in national politics.” /jpv

READ: Sara still my top bet as next president – Lacson