Former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio (INQUIRER.net file photos)
MANILA, Philippines — “I respect it, but cannot be one with you on this,” vice-presidential aspirant Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio had this to say to her supporters who are not backing her running mate, former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Duterte-Carpio made the remark on Wednesday night amid calls for her to pair up instead with Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno who is also running for president in the upcoming polls.
She cited her commitment to her tandem with Marcos and to their alliance, saying it is important for her to keep her word.
“Nangako rin ako ng katapatan sa alyansang aking pinasok kasama ang Lakas-CMD Party at Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP).Mahalaga po sa akin ang paninindigan at isang salita,” Duterte-Carpio said in a video message.
(I pledged loyalty to my alliance with Lakas-CMD Party and Partido Federal ng Pilipinas. It is important for me to have integrity and to keep my word.)
“I truly appreciate the love of so many for me and while I continue to respect your decision to support another presidential candidate, it is with a heavy heart that I cannot be one with you on this,” she added.
Duterte-Carpio is vying for the vice-presidential seat under the Lakas-CMD Party while Marcos Jr. is running under PFP. The two decided to run as a tandem, calling themselves the “UniTeam.”
“Patuloy akong umaasa ng suporta ninyo sa UniTeam. Mahalaga ang pagpili ng isang team na maglilingkod sa ating bayan (I am still hoping for your support for the UniTeam. It is important to choose a team that will serve the country),” Duterte-Carpio said.
“Handa ang UniTeam BBM-Sara para harapin ang mga hamon sa pamamahala. Mahalin natin ang Pilipinas (The UniTeam is ready to face the challenges of governance. Let us love the Philippines),” she added.