Sara pitches for senatorial aspirants, Isko visits kin in Iloilo

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, Mayor Isko Moreno and VP Leni Robredo. INQUIRER FILE PHOTOS

ILOILO CITY—Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Tuesday separately visited Iloilo, considered as a bailiwick of Vice President Leni Robredo.

Sara, who’s aspiring to become vice president, spoke at an assembly of the Iloilo chapter of Philippine Councilors’ League at Iloilo Convention Center and appealed for support for senatorial aspirants she was endorsing.

She had named her father, President Duterte, as among the senatorial aspirants she would support but the elder Duterte later withdrew his candidacy for senator.

Sara also named her senatorial aspirants as Harry Roque, Mark Villar, Jinggoy Estrada, Herbert Bautista and Loren Legarda. Roque was former presidential spokesperson, Villar was former public works chief, Estrada was former senator, Bautista was former Quezon City mayor while Legarda was former senator and incumbent Antique representative.

In her speech and interview with reporters, Sara said Iloilo City had become an “inspiration” for Davao City.

“We always look up to Iloilo City. because you always beat us in all recognitions and awards,” she said.

She cited Iloilo City’s bike lanes and achievements in digital tourism.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said he welcomed Sara’s statements.

“As a public servant for more than three decades, I always try to extend all our efforts to level up the city,” said Treñas in a statement.

“I am very pleased that a fellow public servant, Mayor Sara, has recognized our tireless initiative to ensure that we give the best for our beloved people despite the challenges brought by the pandemic,” he said.

Treñas and Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. have made their support for Robredo’s presidential bid public.

Robredo won by a landslide in the vice presidential race in the city and province of Iloilo against Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is also aspiring to become president.

Moreno visited the town of San Joaquin, Iloilo province and met with relatives. He was expected to also visit Iloilo City.

TSB