Senator Alan Peter Cayetano today announced what many had long expected – he is running for Vice President – but he made it in the most unlikely place, Davao City.
In a media event which was full of symbolism.
Cayetano said his declaration of his bid for the second highest political position in the country outside of Metro Manila speaks of his advocacy for the decentralisation of government.
Cayetano’s Davao City declaration was also perceived as an indication that he was looking at Davao City Mayor Rody Duterte as his possible running mate.
There has been no decision yet on the part of Duterte on whether he would finally decide to run for President or that he would take Cayetano as his vice presidential running mate.
At least one more senator, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., son and namesake of former President Ferdinand Marcos, has also insinuated that he was willing to team up with the Davao City Mayor.
“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” Cayetano quoted Jeremiah 29:11 in his opening statement.
Saying he is running to help a President who could bring true change to the country, Cayetano declared “I am running for Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines. I am putting my faith in God and our people.”
Cayetano cited Davao City as the microcosm of the Philippines where there is change and progress, where corruption is not allowed, and where there are clear policies on governance and where discipline is the norm.
Cayetano said he supported Duterte’s advocacy for Federalism saying it is the call of the hour.
“That is why call for decongesting Metro Manila decentralising power is gaining grounds. That is why I filed today the Mindanao Peace and Development Plan,” he said.
“Move DOTC (Dept. of Transportation and Communications) to Clark, DOT (Dept. of Tourism) to Cebu, DA (Dept. of Agriculture) to Davao,” Cayetano proposed.
“Tunay na pagbabago, hindi panay pangako,” Cayetano said.
“And I am praying for a President who will make us all proud and bring true change to Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao,” he said.
Cayetano was obviously referring to Duterte who has consistently said he does not like to run for President.
Cayetano’s declaration of support for Duterte makes him the first Vice Presidential candidate to say he is running even before his preferred presidential candidate could officially declare.
In contrast, two Presidential candidates who have already publicly declared their intention to run – Vice President Jejomar Binay and former Secretary Manuel Roxas – are still scrounging around for their vice presidential running mates.
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