VP Sara endorses Duranos for May polls

Local

VICE President Sara Duterte has changed her stance on local endorsements, now throwing her support to the Durano political family of Danao City.

During her unannounced visit to Danao City, Vice President Sara Duterte endorsed incumbent Mayor Thomas Mark "Mix" Durano for the Fifth District congressional seat.

She also expressed support for Vice Mayor Ramon "Nito" Durano III, City Councilor Ivy Durano, and Poro town mayoral candidate Red Durano.

Duterte’s visit included a trip to the public cemetery to search for her great-grandfather’s grave, a Mass at Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish, and engagement with supporters at the market.

She spent time with the Durano family, who accompanied her throughout her stay.

On Friday, April 25, the Durano family released a joint statement expressing their gratitude for the Vice President’s endorsement, calling it a significant boost to their campaign.

“Mapasalamaton mi sa endorso nga gikan ni VP Sara Duterte. Kini naghatag namo ug kadasig nga ipadayon ang maayong panggobyerno labi na ang programa sa panginabuhian ug trabaho sa mga taga Danao ug sa tibuok Kinto Distrito.”

In his own statement, Mayor Durano explained that his decision to run for Congress was driven by a desire to replicate the progress made in Danao across the entire district.

“When I decided to run for the Fifth District Representative position in May 2025, I felt the time was right. With three decades of public service under my belt, I am fully committed, both physically and mentally, to bringing the progress we’ve seen in Danao to the entire district,” he said.

Mayor Durano stressed that meaningful change is achieved through consistent effort and measurable outcomes.

Thankful for Duterte's backing, he expressed optimism about the district's future, with a focus on livelihood, health, housing, and good governance programs.

Duterte’s endorsement represents a shift from her earlier stance, where she had stated she would refrain from endorsing local candidates.

During her visit, which was coincidental, she also met with gubernatorial candidate Pamela Baricuatro, a long-time friend. Duterte made sure to clarify, however, that it was not an endorsement.

“Wala naman na ganoon. Pero kaibigan ko naman si Ms. Pam Baricuatro... kaya hindi po odd or awkward sa amin magkausap at magkita,” Duterte remarked in a previous interview.

Baricuatro, who is challenging incumbent Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, also emphasized that their meeting was entirely coincidental and not politically motivated.

Duterte's endorsement of the Durano family marks her first formal local political alliance for the 2025 midterm elections.

Danao is known for being the only local government unit in the province that is not aligned with One Cebu, the ruling party led by Garcia.(MyTVCebu)