Sotto sees Sara, Pacquiao as ‘formidable competitors’ for president

MANILA, Philippines — For Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio and Senator Manny Pacquiao will be “formidable competitors” for the presidential post that will be up next year.

In an interview with INQside Look, Sotto was asked regarding the possibility of Duterte-Carpio and Pacquiao vying for the presidential post in the national elections next year.

Sotto said he has not spoken with Duterte-Carpio for quite a long time but believes she “would definitely [be] a formidable competitor for the position.”

But does another Duterte taking over as the president of the country reek of political dynasty? Sotto said the decision will be up to the public.

Duterte-Carpio is the daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“If they think that the daughter of the president would be able to fit in to the shoes of the President or fit into the shoes of a president, it’s up to them, it’s up to the people,” Sotto said.

“The important thing is that we know, we will know later on if there are programs or there are issues that are being addressed by this particular candidate and will be able to do well. Nasa tao na yan,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sotto also called Pacquiao as “another formidable competitor” since “many Filipinos love him.”

Earlier this month, PDP-Laban vice chairman and Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said that Pacquiao has “signified” his intention to run for president.

Pacquiao is the acting president of the party.

JPV