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President Duterte’s on Paolo during a news conference in this file photo. The former Davao mayor has hinted of running for public office next year if his sister Sara Carpio, mayor of Davao, “allows” him. (Mindanews)

FORMER Davao mayor Paolo Duterte would seek public office in the 2019 midterm elections if his mayor-sister, Sara Carpio, would allow him to run.

President Duterte’s eldest son spoke before barangay officials from the city during the mass oath-taking as members of regional political party Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) at the SMX Convention Center Davao on Friday, his first public appearance nearly eight months after he resigned from his post on Dec. 25 last year.

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“Time will come when we can serve the public again. I hope Mayor Sara allows me. If she won’t, I can’t go back to public service,” he said.

He did not say what position he would seek if he runs in 2019. His sister is being eyed by the ruling PDP-Laban to run for the Senate.

The former vice mayor appeared at the oath-taking in support of the new regional political party created and chaired by Carpio.

In a statement, the younger Duterte said he would go back to public service if the Dabawenyos need him.

“But there are many other ways to serve the Dabawenyos and our dear city — being in politics is just one of them. And if I can serve best through politics, it would be my pleasure to be of service to you and to our city — just like before,” he said.

He and his brother-in-law lawyer Manases Carpio were dragged into the smuggling controversy as members of the so-called “Davao Group,” the group allegedly behind shabu shipment from China that arrived via the Manila International Container in Tondo, Manila in May last year.

The two appeared in a Senate probe on Sept. 7, 2017 where they denied involvement in the smuggling.

“I believe in the principles of HNP and its aspirations to establish a strong and competitive Davao region resonate significantly with many political leaders,” he said.

Duterte said he would commit to the HNP’s advocacies and  support his father to help fulfill the plans and programs of his administration.

It was the fifth mass oath-taking ceremony held in Davao region after Compostela Valley this July 19, Davao Oriental this July 1, Davao del Norte this Aug. 3, and Davao Occidental, and Davao del Sur this Aug. 6.

The HNP was launched in Feb. 23 with Mayor Carpio as chair, Davao Occidental’ Gov. Claude Bautista as president, Davao Oriental Gov. Nelson Dayanghirang as vice president, Davao del Norte Gov. Anthony del Rosario as secretary general, and Compostela Valley Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy as treasurer.

Aside from the local barangay officials, the gathering was attended by provincial, city, municipal, and barangay officials who pledged allegiance to the HNP. (Antonio Colina IV of Mindanews)

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