Velasco backs Sara Duterte for president in 2022

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco has pledged his unconditional support for Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte if she decides to run for president in the 2022 elections.

Velasco expressed his belief that Mayor Duterte is highly qualified to lead the country and has the potential to unite Filipinos.

The potential candidacy of President Duterte for vice president has drawn criticism, with some officials arguing it contravenes the spirit of the Constitution, although the Integrated Bar of the Philippines noted it is not explicitly forbidden.

The Duterte family, including Sara and Rodrigo, currently lead the Pulse Asia polls for preferred presidential and vice-presidential candidates in the upcoming 2022 elections.

This declaration of support from Velasco raises questions on whether former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano will follow suit, as the Nacionalista Party is reportedly behind Mayor Duterte's presidential bid.

Lower House allies of Cayetano believe that Mayor Duterte was instrumental in Velasco's bid for the speakership and in ousting Cayetano when he refused to honor a term-sharing agreement.