Arroyo not meeting Duterte-Carpio in Balesin, says spokesperson

MANILA, Philippines — The camp of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has denied that she will meet Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio in Balesin.

“Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is not meeting with Mayor Sara in Balesin,” said Kris Sunga, a staff member of the former chief executive, in a statement released to reporters on Wednesday night.

Social media has been abuzz that Arroyo and Duterte-Carpio will meet this week in the exclusive island resort, just days ahead of the Nov. 15 deadline to change candidates for the May 2022 elections.

Arroyo’s political party Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) earlier fielded “placeholders” in case Duterte-Carpio decides to run as president.

The Davao City mayor was said to be the moving force in the ouster of House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and the installation of Arroyo in his place in 2018.

Duterte-Carpio, daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte, withdrew her reelection bid on Tuesday, triggering speculations that she would seek a national post in next year’s elections despite her repeated denials.

Her brother, Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, dropped his candidacy for vice mayor of Davao City on the same day.

Duterte-Carpio, who has been the most popular among presidential prospects based on surveys, has yet to explain why she dropped her mayoralty bid.

It remains to be seen which national position she would be after. Duterte-Carpio recently met with presidential candidates Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.

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ATM