New York-based ratings agency Fitch Is convinced the daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte will join the presidential race in 2022 despite filing for re-election as Davao City mayor.

“We believe there remains a strong prospect of Sara Duterte still running for president. The absence of Sara Duterte from the vice and presidential candidate lists was somewhat surprising given her strong showing in opinion polling through 2021 and Rodrigo’s potential need for an ally, given the threat from an International Criminal Court probe into his ‘war on drugs’,” said Fitch Solutions in its October 11 country risk and industry research.

Fitch believes Sara would opt to substitute for another presidential bet before the November 15 deadline just like what his father did in the 2016 elections.

“We believe that the uncertainty around the Philippine presidential race remains elevated in the near term, as the prospect of a late presidential bid from Sara Duterte remains. Indeed, campaigning will officially begin in January, allowing time for further political surprises and alliance shifting before year-end,” said Fitch.

Fitch believes the Philippines will undergo a major policy shift in relations with China, specifically its dispute in the South China Sea, the next administration following the withdrawal of the President from the vice presidential race. “(But)a shift to a liberal democratic presidency remains of low probability and highlight the potential for key Duterte policies, such as his focus on infrastructure development and the ‘drug war’, to be continued to varying degrees,” said Fitch.

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Asa pa more! Even Fitch thinks Sara Duterte will eventually run for president
Source: Filipino Daily Inquirer