Duterte backers ‘not losing hope’

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Supporters of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in the province said they are not just bent on giving up, after the mayor announced Monday he will not run for president in the 2016 elections.

Lawyer JV Hinlo Jr., coordinator of Western Visayas of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte National Executive Coordinating Committee, said they will not give up. “It will make us stronger. We will be heard more.”

Hinlo, in an interview with Aksyon Radyo, said he can’t believe that Duterte is not running. He added that it is known in Davao City that the mayor usually files his Certificate of Candidacy at the last minute.

“That’s his attitude and strategy,” Hinlo said, adding that “it’s part of finding out if the people want him.”

Hinlo said Duterte kept saying that he will not run but that he has big plans for the country.

He said Duterte has presented a solution through a federal form of government. He added that Duterte is “hell-bent” on his campaign against illegal drugs, robbers, corrupt government officials and illegal gambling, and that he is for industrialization.

“Davao City is one of the safest places in the world. He must be a good leader to achieve that,” Hinlo said.

He said Duterte understands the problem of those in the province, left by Malacañang, because he also came from the province. He added that most of the developments are in Manila.

The lawyer said they are already in the organization stage in the Panay and Negros islands. There is one governor and a former governor, three vice governors and a number of local officials in Region 6 who have already pledged their support to Duterte, he said.

He added that “seven out of the 10 ordinary people would go for the mayor.”

Hinlo said the filing of candidacy is more than a month away and “we will wait.” He also stressed that if Duterte doesn’t run, “our group will be a team vote. We’re organized in the whole country. We can make (Vice President Jejomar) Binay, (Interior Secretary Mar) Roxas or (Senator Grace) Poe the next president.”

Hinlo said Duterte traces his roots in the Visayas, as the latter was born in Southern Leyte. —/JMD