President’s daughter to launch own party, triggers fight with House Speaker

DAVAO CITY Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, daughter of the President, lashed out at House Speaker Pantaleon D. Alvarez for allegedly calling her “part of the opposition” as she prepares to launch today, Feb. 23, her own regional political party.

In an Instagram post with the photo of the Speaker, Ms. Duterte wrote: “Kung asshole ka sa Congress, don’t bring that to Davao, leave it in Manila. Somebody should tell the President what you are doing. How dare you call me part of the opposition…”

In another post, Ms. Carpio further alleged that Mr. Alvarez told a “crowd” that he is “the Speaker” and that he “can always impeach” the President.

Sought for comment, Mr. Alvarez, denied giving such statements. “Hindi ko po sinabi ’yun at hindi ko po maaaring sabihin ’yun. Lubos po ang pagsuporta ko sa ating Pangulo,” he said in a message to the media.

In a press statement, Ms. Carpio said the formation as well as the name of Hugpong ng Pagbabago was approved by her father.

Prior to joining the now ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) when he ran for president in 2016, Mr. Duterte belonged only to the Davao City-based Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod party, which he founded.

“The Speaker’s latest media statement that he respects the creation of Hugpong ng Pagbabago or that the unity is a non-issue, was unfortunately betrayed by his comment on political dynasties. If the Speaker is attacking our effort to do something significant and timely for Region 11, and reducing it as a product of political dynasties, I suggest he pass the Anti-Political Dynasty Law,” the mayor said.

Mr. Alvarez is a representative from Davao del Norte, a part of Davao Region.

Ms. Carpio also said that she has informed her father that she has no intention of joining the PDP-Laban. — Minde Nyl R. dela Cruz and Maya M. Padillo