President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he is against political dynasty but defended the candidacies of his children, noting they were “forced” to run for public office in Davao City.

“So, ayaw ko ng dynasty but we are forced,” Duterte said in his speech during the 44th Philippine Business Conference and Expo at the Manila Hotel.

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Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is seeking reelection while Paolo Duterte is vying for a seat in Congress as representative of Davao City’s first district. Paolo was Davao City’s vice mayor until he resigned amid investigation into the P6.4-billion shabu smuggled from China.

Meanwhile, gunning for the vice mayoralty of Davao City and Sara’s running mate will be Sebastian “Baste” Duterte. This will be Baste’s first political endeavor.

Sara, Paolo, and Baste are Mr. Duterte’s children with ex-wife Elizabeth Zimmerman. The Duterte family has ruled over Davao City for the last 30 years.

According to Mr. Duterte, it was Sara who forced Sebastian to run.

“Pinilit niya itong ano ngayon bunso, si Sebastian. Walang ginawa ‘yan sa buhay, mabuti mayroon na siguro kung i-vice mayor niya,” he said.

Mr. Duterte then urged critics of political dynasties to visit Davao and ask its people how they view dynasties.

“At saka magtanong ka, you conduct a survey. Itong mga interesado na dynasty-dynasty, pumunta na kayo sa tao. Tanungin mo ‘yung tao, dito tanungin mo, still your political families, because sasabihin nang mga barangay captains, ‘Ah, ayaw namin niyan.’ Eh, hindi na magkakampanya iyan kung ayaw nila,” he said.

“Usually, kapag naumpisahan ng isa, tuluy-tuloy na iyan kasi hingiin ng mga tao. That’s politics,” he added. /kga

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