DAVAO City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte has no plans of seeking a higher position after his name was constantly mentioned in senatorial surveys for the 2025 midterm elections.
“I started in politics serving Dabawenyos and I would like to retire doing the same. Besides the fact that I do not have the capacity to finance a nationwide campaign,” Duterte said in a statement.
Duterte said his savings “are alloted for his retirement and for the education of his children”.
The series of surveys conducted by numerous reputable survey firms placed Paolo Duterte from top 9 to 12, labeled as a high-potential senatorial candidate along with senators Bong Go and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who are also from Davao City.
He admitted that it crossed his mind to run for senator at the urging of people close to him, particularly at the time when his father Rodrigo Duterte was still president. But he balked knowing the huge responsibility it entails.
“Hindi madaling iwan ang mga taong matagal ko nang pinagsisilbihan, ang mga Dabawenyos. Lastly I have to ask for my family’s blessing since they will be the ones who would be most affected by all the black propaganda that comes along with election season,” he added.
He also said a Duterte president and a vice president is enough contribution of their family to the country.
