Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has resigned from her regional party, Hugpong ng Pagbabago, its secretary general said Thursday, further fueling talks that she would run for national office.
The Commission on Elections earlier 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 that fielded a national candidate.
Both President Rodrigo Duterte's PDP-Laban and Lakas-CMD of ex-President Gloria Arroyo earlier said they were considering their presidential bets to be substituted by Duterte-Carpio.
"It is with profound sadness that I hereby tender my resignation from our beloved party. My support will always be with you and I will always be grateful for all the things you have taught me," Duterte-Carpio said in a letter addressed to HNP officers and members.
The secretary general of HNP, Anthony Del Rosario, said that while the party was saddened by Duterte-Carpio's resignation, its members wish her all the best in her future plans.
"Godspeed po Mayor Sara. In our hearts, you will always be our chairperson," he added.
Duterte-Carpio's resignation from the regional party came as she withdrew her candidacy for reelection as Davao City mayor, stirring talks that she would gun for national position.
Her ally, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, claimed that she might run for president under Lakas-CMD party, which she is not a member of.
PDP-Laban's presidential bet Sen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa also said he was ready to be substituted by Duterte-Carpio should she decide to run for president.
While Duterte-Carpio has yet to make another statement about his 2022 plans, Salceda said she could announce the position she would run for before the deadline for candidate substitution on Nov. 15.
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