ONE of the biggest stories followed by the Dabawenyos this year is the political plans of the three Duterte siblings, considering it will be election season in 2019.
Prior to the filing of the certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 2019 national and local elections, there were speculations and rumors as to the political plans of the three children of President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Elizabeth Zimmermann -- former Davao City vice mayor Paolo Duterte, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, and Sebastian "Baste" Duterte.
Paolo has been quite quiet regarding his political plans since his resignation as vice mayor. However, it was reported earlier in October that Sara said her brother will be running for congressman of the first district of Davao City.
"Let us cross the bridge when we get there. I am still in consultation with my supporters and my family," Paolo said in response to his sister's statements.
As for Sara, there were talks that she might be eyeing a national post in 2019. However, she shut down rumors by repeatedly saying that she will be seeking re-election as the city's mayor in a bid to finish her projects for the city.
For Baste, there were rumors of him possibly running for an elective post but there were no concrete statements from the family nor from him regarding his plans.
It was only during the filing of certificates of candidacy on October 11 to 17, when the siblings shut down rumors or confirmed earlier statements regarding their political plans.
On October 12, it was Paolo, the eldest of the three siblings, who filed his COC first.
Paolo, accompanied by Sara during the filing of COC, will be running for congressman of the first distritct of Davao City, a post held by the Nograles family since 2001.
Then on October 15, Sara filed for re-election for city mayor, confirming her previous statements of her intention to continue to serve the Dabawenyos.
Up until this point, it was not yet revealed as to who will be running for vice mayor. Different individuals were speculated to be her running mate like councilor Mabel Acosta, vice mayor Bernard Al-ag, and even Baste.
On the day of the filing of Sara's COC, Al-ag announced he will not be seeking re-election. He said he has been informed by the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) Party that a candidate was already chosen as Sara's running mate.
It was in the last day of the filing of COCs, October 17, when it was revealed that it was Baste who will be Sara's running mate in the city.
Now, all the three children of President Duterte with Elizabeth Zimmermann have entered the political arena.
"Naisip ko lang na I was born in Davao City. I've been to places but my heart is always here," Baste said, adding that he really wanted to serve the public.
Though he grew up in a political family, he admitted that he still lacks the experience.
"Hindi ko talaga alam kung ano pa. Kasi I have never experienced anything. I was never in an office (I still don't know yet. Because I have never experienced anything. I was never in an office)," Baste said.
This coming 2019, although there are still some who are doubtful of the capacity of the young Duterte to enter politics, some Dabawenyos still expressed excitement over the Dutertes who will continue to serve the city.