De Lima doubts seriousness of Dutertes' political plans

The Dutertes' announcement of their future political plans could not be serious and is likely a mere display of power and show of force, former senator Leila de Lima said yesterday.

- CECILLE SUERTE FELIPE

De Lima pointed out the timing of the announcement of the Dutertes running for the Senate and the youngest, Sebastian Duterte, for president in 2028, which was made after the dismissal of her drug charges.

"My initial reaction is I doubt the seriousness of that announcement. What is this? Is this just a gimmickry or some kind of, you know, it's just a stunt and some kind of a diversion? And then remember also that the announcement came a day after the release of the order in my last case," De Lima said over ANC.

Earlier, Vice President Sara Duterte announced that former president Duterte and sons Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte and Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte will run for the Senate in the 2025 midterm elections.