Duterte movement expansion unveiled

CEBU, Philippines — Former presidential adviser on political affairs Jacinto “Jing” Paras announced the launch and expansion of the Tatay Digong for Sara 2028 movement, which aims to consolidate support for Vice President Sara Duterte’s presidential bid in 2028.

In an interview yesterday, Paras, who serves as the chairman of the movement, explained that the initiative began as a local effort to gain support from city leaders. He said this brings together various groups or parallel organizations, including the Duterte Riders Team led by Moises Deiparine, as well as Sara Philippines.

Expressing their genuine intention to help Sara win the 2028 presidential elections, Deiparine said they started their campaign early, especially at the grassroots level, explaining why the vice president should be the country’s next leader.

Paras also said Cebuanos remain loyal to former president Rodrigo Duterte, Sara’s father.

“Cebuanos are patient and deeply devoted to Tatay Digong. You can see this worldwide, people swarmed in The Hague. Even in Hong Kong, during the birthday celebration rally, the venue was full and many couldn’t get in. This proves the continuing admiration for his leadership,” Paras said.

“The charisma of Tatay Digong is overwhelming. People in Cebu, and across the globe, remain loyal to him. Our campaign strategy is built on this genuine admiration, leveraging it to inform and inspire support for Vice President Sara,” he added.

The Tatay Digong for Sara 2028 movement is nationwide and will serve as an umbrella organization for all parallel groups supporting the vice president, Paras added.

“In Hong Kong alone, 300–400 OFWs signed up as members of the movement. We also saw interest from Europe. This is no longer limited to the Philippines; it’s now global,” Paras said.

On potential opponents of Sara in the 2028 elections, Paras said, “At present, I haven’t seen a formidable opponent. It’s possible the Marcos family may field a candidate, and Speaker Romualdez may run for president, but in my view, they can be easily defeated. If Marcos Jr. runs for vice president, he will bring many negative votes that could harm any presidential candidate.”

Paras added that they are waiting for Sara’s decision on who she wants as her running mate.

“Inday Sara has the prerogative to choose her vice president and senatorial lineup. We need to wait and respect her decision,” said Paras, former congressman of Negros Oriental’s 1st Congressional District.