Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio was on Thursday sworn into ex-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's party Lakas-CMD, which she could use as a platform for a presidential candidacy.
The President's daughter earlier in the day quit her own Hugpong ng Pagbabago, which as a regional party, cannot field candidates for national positions. Duterte-Caprio has not revealed her next move after ropping her reelection bid.
“We had long been inviting Mayor Inday to join our party as we are all impressed with her sterling qualities as a leader and we saw up close her exemplary work ethic as chief executive of Davao City," said House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez, the Lakas party president who administered the oath to Duterte-Carpio
"I am confident that with Mayor Sara’s exceptional brand of leadership, she can help our party chart a new course that will ensure a brighter tomorrow for our children and the next generation," he said.
Duterte-Carpio's ally, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, earlier claimed that she might run for president under Lakas-CMD.
The Commission on Elections said Duterte-Carpio couldn't seek the presidency under HNP because it is a regional party. Instead, she would have to join the political party of the candidate she would substitute for so that the replacement will be valid.
Lakas-CMD fielded a certain Anna Velasco and Lyle Uy for president and vice president respectively during the filing of candidacies last month. While they have these candidates for now, party secretary general Prospero Pichay said they could still negotiate with other possible standard bearers that could fill these positions.
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