Bello may run for senator only if Sara Duterte seeks presidency

MANILA, Philippines — Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III on Thursday said he would run for senator only if Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio runs for president.

“Baka (maybe),” Bello told reporters in an ambush interview when asked if he will pursue his senatorial bid once Duterte runs for the presidential post.

When ask the reason behind this, Bello responded: “Kasi yun ang nakikita kong magandang leader ng ating bansa, na makakatulong sa ating bansa.”

(Because I see her as a good leader, which could help our country.)

Bello said he’s in talks with the presidential daughter “regularly.”

Duterte-Carpio did not take part in filing the certificate of candidacy at the Sofitel hotel in Manila but instead filed her candidacy for reelection in Davao City.

READ: Hours before COC filing deadline, Sara Duterte says to push through reelection bid as Davao City mayor

On Wednesday, Bello confirmed that Silvestre Bello Jr, who filed as senator under PDP-Laban, is his brother.

He also said he did not rule out the possibility of substituting for his brother.

READ: Bello’s brother files COC for senator; Labor chief not ruling out replacing him

Aspirants could still be substituted until November 15, even as the filing of COC lapsed on October 8.

Bello is among the Cabinet members selected for the initial senatorial slate led by the PDP-Laban faction of Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.

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