Vice-presidential candidate Sara Duterte (Contributed photo)
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte has nothing but gratitude for the massive support she has been receiving from millions of Filipinos backing her vice-presidential bid.
In her speech before more than a hundred supporters from different parallel groups, Duterte thanked all individuals and organized groups for sharing her causes and aspirations for the country.
“We do not know what will happen but I will always be truly grateful sa inyohang pagtabang ug pagsuporta kanako (for your help and support) especially sa akong kandidatura karong (my candidacy) 2022 elections,” Duterte said.
Duterte, who has been consistently topping pre-election preference surveys, said the Filipinos’ support has fueled her desire to carry the people’s aspirations forward.
“Ang inyong hugot nga suporta dili mabayran og kwarta (your support is priceless). I always say as a politician and a candidate, I am truly lucky nga daghan kaayo mo nga (you are many) parallel groups ang naga-tabang sa akoa (who help me),” she expressed.
Twenty-one days before May 9 polls, Duterte said her camp is both hoping for the best and preparing for the worst.
“Hapit na mahuman ang kampanya. Duol na ang eleksyon (Election is near). We don’t know what will happen during the elections and the counting but, of course, Lakas-CMD and HNP are preparing for the worst,” Duterte added.
During campaign sorties, Duterte met with several support groups, individuals, and organizations that told her about their hopes and dreams, believing that the Davao City mayor can help fulfill.
Before the campaign started, Duterte led a month-long country-loop caravan to personally deliver her message of unity and patriotism.
Duterte said the ride made her personally assess the living conditions of Filipinos and the development endeavors undertaken by the local government units (LGUs).
“Kung ikaw makasuroy, makakita gyud ka ug disparity sa development sa area. Makit-an nimo nga unequal ang growth and development especially sa countryside. Naay areas nga it’s either kulang ang pag-push sa growth and development or dili gyud siya priority para sa mga LGUs and local officials nila (There is disparity in development in many areas. Growth and development seem to be not LGU officials priority)” Duterte recalled.
“I am happy that I was able to do that because nakita nako ang mga areas nga nanginahanglan ug pagtutok sa gobyerno kay ulahi gyud sila compared to major area (These areas should be the focus of development),”she added.
Meanwhile, Duterte’s supporters believe that victory is near.
Angelica Anne Racho, convenor of the BBM-Sara Volunteer Action Center, is confident that Duterte will win the race.
“It’s a no-brainer, wala na’y lain (there's nobody else). Siya na jud. (She is the one). Si Inday daghan ug matabangan. Tarong gyud (She can help many because of her dedication). Look at Davao. Unta mabuhat sa tibuok Pilipinas (It is hoped that she will do it in the whole country). That’s the only hope na naa ta, (that we have),” Racho said. (PR)
