The grandson and namesake of former President Rodrigo Duterte officially entered the political arena by filing his certificate of candidacy (COC) on Wednesday. Rodrigo ‘Rigo’ Duterte III, the second son of Rep. Paolo Duterte, is running for councilor in the first district of Davao City.
Rigo was the first in the Duterte clan to submit his COC before the Commission on Elections (Comelec). He was accompanied by his father and eldest brother Buhangin village chairperson Omar Duterte.
The other prominent members of the Duterte dynasty are still mum on their political plans, including the patriarch himself. It was a slow day for the Comelec in Davao City as it was only Rigo who applied for a political office on Day 2 of the COC filing.
At New Corella, Davao del Norte, no one among the incumbent local government officials appeared to file their COCs yet. The Comelec office in the area had zero applicants in the first two days, according to election officer Enna Alilllian.
In Tagum City, only four aspirants came to file their COCs. They were all aiming for a seat at the provincial board. Incumbent Mayor Rey Uy and Vice Mayor Allan Rellon have yet to submit their applications.
Manila Standard gathered that Rellon met with Davao del Norte first district Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez earlier Wednesday morning. They, however, did not disclose significant details. They just said they are still discussing political plans among their group.
Alvarez, who is approaching his last term as member of the House of Representatives, is yet to announce his decision. It is unclear if he will seek re-election or endorse someone else to continue his legislative work.
Rellon was in talks to challenge Uy for the mayoral post or former board member Lingling Estabillo. Both Rellon and Estabillo are party mates under Partido Reporma led by Alvarez.
Incumbent Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib and Vice Governor De Carlo Uy have also yet to file their COCs. Jubahib earlier indicated his intention to finish his term as governor of the province. De Carlo, however, is yet to make a decision.
