Lakas-CMD backs Sara’s possible presidential bid

House Majority Leader and party president Martin Romualdez and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) is ready to support Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte’s possible 2022 presidential bid, according to House Majority Leader and party president Martin Romualdez.

Romualdez issued the statement after he announced that the Lakas-CMD has decided to renew its alliance with Duterte’s regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP).

Lakas-CMD and HNP forged an alliance in November 2018 for the 2019 midterm elections.

“If Mayor Sara Duterte decides to seek higher office for 2022, we are ready to work for her victory in the coming election,” Romualdez said.

During the Lakas-CMD national executive meeting on Wednesday, the party unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing Romualdez to sign their renewal of alliance with HNP.

“Lakas-CMD believes that (HNP) shares the same vision of a strong republic through the sustainable economic growth and development of the regions,” the resolution read.Romualdez said he already told Duterte about the resolution during their meeting on her birthday on May 31.

President Duterte earlier said he would support Romualdez if he decided to run for Vice President in next year’s elections.

But the House leader said he had not decided on his political plans for 2022 but he mentioned that he was “very much in deep consideration of this opportunity to vie for the second-highest position in the land.” INQ