CONGRESSMAN Paolo “Pulong” Duterte said they haven’t decided yet whether he’s gunning for reelection in next year’s mid-term elections.
Arriving at the Commission on Elections office at Magsaysay Park on Wednesday, Oct. 2, he said he was just accompanying his son, Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II, to file his candidacy for councilor in the city’s first district.
The lawmaker said he hasn’t talked yet with former President Rodrigo Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte, and Mayor Sebastian Duterte on his final decision.
Nevertheless, he revealed his wife and children’s concerns, especially since the Dutertes are at odds with the current administration.
“Amo pang istoryahan pamilya kung mo dagan pa ba ko (We will talk in the family whether or not I will run),” he said.
When asked if he considered running for the Senate, he cited VP Sara’s advice that the matter needs a “sit down. ”
To note, the vice president hinted in an event in Cagayan de Oro City last June that FPRRD and brothers will seek a seat in the Senate.
On the alleged breaking away of party mates, he declined to give a statement but said, “Party mates and even enemies are not forever.”
Duterte is in his second term as the city’s first district representative. He had a landslide victory in his reelection bid in the 2022 elections with 212,382 votes, which was followed by Mags Maglana (IND) with 14,122.
Photo by Bing Gonzales