Paolo Duterte’s joining Speaker race surprises Inday Sara

Davao City Mayor and presidential daughter Sara Duterte Carpio. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is surprised about the decision of Davao City Rep.  Paolo “Pulong” Duterte to join the House Speakership race.

“Yes,” Duterte-Carpio briefly replied in a Viber message on Tuesday when asked if she was surprised by the decision of his elder brother.

The Presidential daughter even echoed the earlier pronouncement of their father saying: “The President already said he will resign if Cong. Pulong will (vie) for the Speaker of the House.”

On May 27, the President  said he would resign if his son, Paolo, would vie for the House speakership.

READ: Duterte: I will resign if Paolo runs to become House Speaker

Paolo had earlier said he was not keen on vying for the House Speaker post. But in a statement on Tuesday, the incoming Davao City 1st District congressman said he would join the Speakership race.

“Moapil na ko pagka-speaker [Sasali na ako sa pagka speaker],” he said in Bisaya.

“The House is divided, I might be able to help unite it. Pareho lang kaming binoto ng mga tao ah. Kung term sharing, term sharing na kaming lahat,” he added. (Editor: Jonathan P. Vicente)