TAGUM CITY - The convenors of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) Davao de Oro chapter has called anew for Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte to reconsider running for president in the 2022 polls.

Former Davao de Oro Governor and now Senior Board Member Arturo Uy, lead convenor of the "Run Sara Run" movement, said at a press briefing Thursday that they are still optimistic that she will change her mind.

"Mayor Sara, we have still November 15, many of our countrymen ask for your reconsideration. That's why we are begging you to heed the call of the majority especially the Mindanaoans for you to run," Uy said.

He added that the presidential daughter has the best qualification because of her strong leadership.

"We are still hoping she will change her mind. The 'Run Sara Run' will continue to encourage her. And we vow to campaign hard if she runs," he added.

Meanwhile, Davao de Oro Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy, HNP treasurer, said they were optimistic that there is a "little chance" that Duterte will withdraw her mayoral reelection bid and decide to run for president before the November 15 deadline for substitution.

"We still have until November 15 to wait for her decision. However, we reiterate that we understand her decision [running for mayor]. We will just wait for her to decide," he added.

Earlier, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said the Davao City mayor will not be a substitute for Senator Ronald dela Rosa in the 2022 presidential derby.

He said that despite mounting calls to succeed her father, Duterte is firm in her reelection bid for the third and final time.

Political parties can replace their candidates for the May 9, 2022 elections until November 15.

On October 2, Mayo Sara filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) for mayor at the local Commission on Elections (Comelec) office. (PNA)