Despite a series of pronouncements made by Davao city mayor Sara Duterte that she is not running for any national posts, her name is still being considered by many, especially the Cusi wing of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Laban. Many sees the filling in of Senator Bato Dela Rosa as the “presidential bet” of the administration party is an attempt at preserving the post if Sara Duterte comes to her senses and runs. The statement made by the Cusi wing on Bato being “just available” and not necessarily of “presidential timber” is humiliating and a damning statement on the capabilities of the senator now turned presidential contender.

Going back to Sara– is the Davao mayor really not running and is just content of finishing her last term as Chief Executive? Many believe that her decision is really a done deal. Sara reportedly does not favor Senator Bong Go as her running mate. Sara Duterte hates the guts of Senator Go.

Curiously though, Sara Duterte also is not that keen on taking former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as a running mate. She probably would settle with Gibo Teodoro, the former defense secretary of Duterte’s closest political ally, former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. However, Teodoro’s name does not strike a cord among present-day voters due to his long-time absence in politics for the past what, nine years? Teodoro just suddenly sprung up from nowhere and presented by an Arroyo errant boy from Bicol as a running mate of the presidential daughter. This will not fly.

What might change Duterte’s decision? This writer believes two things might really change Sara Duterte’s decision: first, if she feels that her father’s life is really in danger and second, if she also sees that her own family is at a disadvantage then she would probably ask to take Bato’s place. If this is so, then Sara will face her political ally Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. at the polls. With both Sara, Bongbong and Isko Moreno running, this will split the Duterte ranks and further limits the chances of any one of them getting the presidency.