MANILA (Philippines):  Sara Duterte-Carpio, the daughter of Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte and a vice-presidential candidate in the 2022 elections, has declared her support for presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is now topping the poll.

Duterte-Carpio, 43, spoke for the first time since launching her candidacy on Saturday, pleading for Filipinos to vote for her. Duterte-Carpio expressed her confidence in Filipinos' ability to help and support them until the elections are won, despite the hurdles, in a video posted on Facebook. Duterte-Carpio stated that her choice to join forces with Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was not made with the intention of derailing the campaigns of other candidates. "Our goal is not just to carry out President Duterte's proposals, but also to improve the administration's programmes," she said, urging unity.

In a second statement, Marcos, 64, the only son of former President Ferdinand Marcos, acknowledged their collaboration. Duterte-Carpio was approved by Marcos' party shortly after the Davao City mayor filed her candidacy on Saturday. The president and vice president of the Philippines are chosen separately under Philippine law.

Duterte's long-time aide-turned-senator Christopher Go went to the Commission on Elections office in Manila with the president shortly after the presidential daughter's filing last Saturday to change his application, submitting his certificate of candidacy for president and withdrawing his certificate of candidacy for vice president.

Sara Duterte-Carpio to run for Vice President in 2022 polls

Taliban Govt’s Aviation Personnel to be given professional training by Pak Govt

China, Congo to work to strengthen local govt cooperation: Congo's PM