MANILA — Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and presidential aspirant Sen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa met on Monday, as the deadline for candidate substitution in the 2022 elections neared.

Dela Rosa, standard-bearer of a faction backed by Duterte-Carpio's father, shared on Facebook a photo of him and the mayor at the Davao City Hall.

"I just reminded her that Nov. 15 is fast approaching," Dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa has said it would be "better" if Duterte-Carpio ran for president in his place.

• Bato says told to run for president 2 hours before COC filing deadline

Substitutes in next year's polls have until Nov. 15 to file their candidacies.

President Rodrigo Duterte previously said his daughter would vie for the top job. But Duterte-Carpio has repeatedly said she would seek a third term as mayor.

• 'Ship has sailed' on Sara Duterte's presidential run, says ally
• Sara Duterte clear she won't run under PDP - Cusi

Observers say it is important for a loyal successor to replace Duterte and shield him from possible legal action over the killings in his war on drugs, which the International Criminal Court is looking into.

• Five things to know about President Duterte's daughter Sara

Dela Rosa led the anti-narcotics crackdown as national police chief from July 2016 to April 2018.

• Duterte tells 'ICC-wary' Bato: I take full responsibility for drug war

Watch more in iWantv or TFC.tv