DAVAO CITY鈥擶ithout Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in the presidential race, leaders of the ruling Liberal Party (LP) in Mindanao are seeing support for the feisty mayor going to their standard-bearer, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas.
But other officials in Mindanao don鈥檛 agree, saying it was early to say if Duterte鈥檚 support is even transferrable and, if so, to Roxas.
According to Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, many political leaders in Mindanao had been hoping Duterte would run, but without the mayor, they would support Roxas instead.
鈥淒efinitely they will go for Mar,鈥� Mangudadatu said at a 鈥淕athering of Friends鈥� event here for Roxas.
鈥淚 know Mar is honorable and has the experience, which is why he is worthy of our support,鈥� said Mangudadatu.
North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Tali帽o-Mendoza said she was sure that Roxas would get the backing of bulk of Duterte鈥檚 supporters.
Mendoza, however, expressed doubt that Duterte is not running.
鈥淟et鈥檚 wait for the filing because Duterte still moves around despite the announcement. Is he being smart and clever? Is he teasing? I don鈥檛 know yet,鈥� she said.
South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Fuentes said she was not sure, though, if Duterte鈥檚 decision was enough to make voters shift to Roxas.
Fuentes said she believed voters would go for 鈥渁nybody that the people perceive to be strong in peace and order.鈥�
Agusan del Sur Vice Gov. Santiago Cane Jr. said he believed that whoever Duterte supports would get the nod of the mayor鈥檚 supporters.
鈥淒uterte commands respect from millions across the archipelago,鈥� Cane said.
Duterte, however, has not announced who to support, saying he will 鈥渃ross the bridge when I get there.鈥�
Former North Cotabato Gov. Emmanuel Pi帽ol said he believed support for Duterte would transfer, however, to Vice President Jejomar Binay if Duterte, indeed, does not run.
He said Davao Oriental Gov. Cora Malanyaon would also support Binay because of Duterte鈥檚 decision not to run for President. Allan Nawal, Inquirer Mindanao