THE Lakas-CMD clarified that from the very beginning it was publicly committed to any national aspiration of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Mayor Sara is running for vice president under Lakas-CMD.

In a statement, Lakas-CMD president and Majority Leader Martin Romualdez stressed that the party’s chairman emeritus former President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo has nothing to do with the decision of Mayor Sara.

“The idea of her running as vice president did not originate from former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. There was no meeting, planned or cancelled, between former President Arroyo and Mayor Duterte in Balesin,” Romualdez said.

“There were no summons for former Senator Bongbong Marcos to go to Balesin,” he added.

According to Romualdez, the Lakas-CMD since 2018 is inviting Mayor Sara to join the party.

Romualdez expressed elation over the decision of Mayor Sara joining Lakas because of her “sterling qualities as a leader and we saw up close her exemplary work ethic as chief executive of Davao City.”

With regards to her decision of joining the vice presidential race, the Lakas-CMD vowed all-out support.

“We are honored that Mayor Sara accepted the challenge to help lead the party at a crucial time when the nation desperately needs a steady leader who can inspire us all to bounce back from the ravages of the pandemic,” Romualdez said.

“We, her party mates in the Senate, House of Representatives, Provincial Governments, City Governments and Municipal Governments— are all committed to work double time to ensure Mayor Sara’s victory as the country’s next Vice President,” he added.

Over the weekend, Mayor Sara said she opted to run for vice president to meet her supporters halfway and the position is a path to allow her to serve the country.

“Nagdesisyon na ako na huwag tumakbo pagka- Pangulo ng Pilipinas subalit wala pa ring humpay ang inyong panawagan kahit na pagkalipas ng ikawalo ng Oktubre. I have thousands of supporters who cried last oct 8 and I cannot find it in my heart to make them cry again on Nov 15. I am here to answer your call. I appeal to all supporters to stay calm,” Mayor Sara said.

Mayor Sara joined the Lakas-CDM hours after she resigned from the Hugpong ng Pagbabago, a regional party that she and other influential politicians from Davao Region had created.