Christmas with the Duterte Clan

 A FAMILY AFFAIR

For presidentiable Rody Duterte, Christmas is sacred, and everyone in the family must be present

By Amyline Quien Ching, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle

Photos courtesy of Davao City Information Cffice

Like everyone else, Davao City Mayor Rody Duterte wants to spend Christmas with his family. The mayor kisses his grandson Uno, The youngest son of Paolo Duterte

He is indeed just human, as his recent viral ad that greeted criminals and drug lords a Merry Christmas proclaimed. Because as ferocious as the stance that presidentiable Rody Duterte would like to project to the outside world, campaigning to rid the country of scum, the mayor of Davao City is still quite the lamb when it comes to his family, especially his grandkids.

The young Rody with his mom Soledad R. Duterte

“I find hugs and kisses from my children and grandchildren the sweetest of gestures. ’Yung ganun okay na sa akin,” he says with a smile.

According to the mayor, Christmas is sacred in the Duterte family. Everyone must be present. “Bawal ang wala” as Rody puts it. It’s a tradition that his own mother started when he was a kid. “My most memorable Christmases were when I was a kid. My father was governor of the undivided Davao province then. Malaking responsibilidad ’yun so we didn’t get to see him often. Pero ’pag Christmas, my mother made sure he spent it with us. Hindi pwedeng hindi. So at Christmas, we would always be complete.”

The Duterte clan with Rody’s children and grandchildren

And now, decades later, he enforces the same rule on his own family. Everyone must be present. Even Rody himself makes it a point to stay home for Christmas. “I don’t go out unless there’s a pressing matter that really needs my attention and physical presence.”

The night is usually spent with his children and grandchildren. He considers himself quite the generous gift-giver and enjoys watching the kids open his gifts and seeing their reactions.

There is really no set Noche Buena menu for the Dutertes as it varies each year. But what remains a constant fixture on the dinner table is salted ham, which Rody considers his Christmas Eve treat. Yun, bawal din mawala.

Read more at http://www.mb.com.ph/join-the-party/#GlYhRYAXRPwl7VMX.99

Davao makes room for lumads at Christmas

by Chito A. Fuentes

There is room for the lumad in Davao City on Christmas.

While elsewhere they are unwelcome and turned away in the most favorite Christian holiday, indigenous people know they have a home in Davao City under Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

“Naay instruction si Mayor nga pabantayan ang mga lumad kay di siya gusto nga pasipad-an (The Mayor has given instructions that the lumads be given protection so that they will not be maltreated),” said Omilis Laraze, a member of the Matigsalog tribe.

Laraze, 50, is a resident of Sitio Patag, Salumay, Marilog district. The former barangay kagawad has been designated as the head of the different tribes that make the Mintal gym as their home this Christmas season.

He revealed that he first joined the group that descended into Davao in 2006 after moving in from Bukidnon.

“Nakasinati ko nga anhi sila manaygon unya pag-uli naa nay dala nga bugas (I noticed that they came here to carol and when they returned they brought rice with them),” he added.

Pacita Tinampon agreed.

The 56-year-old resident of Sumilop, Marilog said they feel welcomed in the city.

“Kada hapon tagaan mi duha ka kilo nga bugas (Every afternoon, we are given two kilos of rice),” she noted. 

A member of the Manobo tribe, Tinampon proudly declared that each individual is also given two pieces of canned goods and three packs of noodles.

Upon arrival, each one is given meal tickets which will entitle them to the food rations for the entire length of their stay. 

“We know we will never go hungry,” she added in Cebuano.

Better yet, Laraze said there will still be enough to share with their families when they head for home on Dec. 26.

Eilin Macla, 50, a Matigsalog like Laraze, said many of those who come down bring their families with them including the little children.

“We are given medical attention by health workers who are always watching over us,” she added.

The three said Mintal, 15 kilometers from the city proper, is their favorite home during their annual Christmas sojourn to the city. They credit Barangay Capt. Ramon Bargamento II for giving special attention to them.

Bargamento, however, refuses to take all the credit saying that like other barangay captains hosting the lumads, he is merely following Duterte’s marching orders.

A deputy mayor before serving as barangay captain since 2007, Bargamento said that Duterte has given specific orders to take care of the lumads when they come for the holidays.

Laraze revealed that the revelers are not only from Davao. Many come from Bukidnon, North Cotabato and other outlying provinces.

Bargamento noted an increase this year saying he had to refuse more transients after the health workers said they have reached the maximum of 3,800.

“While they are here, we not only feed them and address their health and medical needs but also try to make them as comfortable as we can,” he added.

To do this, Bargamento said many agencies are tapped including health, social welfare, police, fire and environment. 

A makeshift tent was set up where children can play and listen to stories during the day and watch video shows at night.

Davao’s third district has the biggest population of lumads compared to the first two. 

Rep. Isidro Ungab explained that they all originated from the Bagobo tribe which gave birth to sub-tribes such as Matigsalog, Tagabawa, Obu Manobo, Clata and Aetas.

Ungab, who represents the district, estimated the lumad population at 128,000.

Definitely not all of them descend to Davao at Christmas. But for those who do, they know they have a home waiting for them.

It is far from a glamorous vacation - raising their palms to strangers hoping that a kind heart would spare them a few coins before the light turns green at the intersection. 

If it is their lucky day, there will be some open doors with clothes and foodstuff with a smile and a kind word.

Asked about insults and discriminations from those who think themselves superior, Laraze replied like one who has learned to roll with the punches.

“We don’t allow ourselves to be bothered by that,” he said matter-of-factly.

Most of the lumads have learned to take it all in stride. 

At the first Christmas, there was no room for Joseph, Mary and the Baby.

Nothing much has changed more than 2,000 years later. Doors still remain shut for those considered the least of the brethren.

For the lumads who have been coming to Davao since Duterte became mayor, they know there will always be room for them.

Little wonder that Laraze, Tinampon, Macla and many of their fellow lumads are excited about the prospects Duterte becoming president.

It is not difficult to trust one who has already proven himself. (CHITO A. FUENTES)  

Duterte hints solution to Metro traffic woes

by Chito A. Fuentes

Unlike other presidential wannabes who either do not know what to do or do not want to lose votes, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has given hints on what he will do with the monstrous traffic jams in Metro Manila.

In various speaking engagements, Duterte said he will build a new port in Batangas or somewhere south and maximize the Clark airport.

Cartoon from Arlene Pasaje blog 

The mayor said the horrendous traffic in Manila is one of the impediments of progress.

A recent study says the Philippines is losing P2.4 billion a day because of traffic congestion. That is P876-B a year, a significant amount in a country saddled with P6 trillion foreign debt. 

When asked during a roundtable discussion with Inquirer editors what is his solution to the problem, Duterte candidly replied “wala”.

It was not because he didn’t have a solution. Duterte, a sucker for idioms and figure of speech, was describing the enormity of the problem.

“Walang mangyayari sa atin,” he has repeatedly declared. Of course, he is merely stressing the obvious.

While administration barkers gloat over a modest growth in the economy, they conveniently gloss over the fact that Southeast Asia has experienced modest growth and the Philippines is actually lagging behind its neighbors.

“How can expect the economy to improve if you spend hours on the road waiting for the traffic to improve?” he asked almost always.

Duterte said traders always look for the “fastest, safest and cheapest” way to move their goods.

The mayor said moving the sea port and airport away from the metropolis will decongest it aside from dispersing progress.

“You have to have a fast train with two points of entry somewhere in Metro Manila that is not too crowded,” he added to explain how the goods will be transported to the metro.

Duterte also plans to improve mass transport which will make it more attractive even to the middle and even upper class.

“The reason is very obvious - it is in front of you. Every day thousands of motor vehicles go out of the casa because they are sold,” he pointed out in an interview with TV 5. 

The poor state of public transport is one of the reasons blamed for the congested streets cluttered with private vehicles.

Under the Aquino administration, the MRT is in very bad shape that only those who don’t have cars will take their chance with it.

The mayor, however, conceded that the traffic problem is so big six years won’t be enough to solve it.

Duterte was cursing over his frustrations after being caught in the traffic during the visit of Pope Francis that led to a backlash with no less than Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines president Bishop Socrates Villegas swiftly denouncing him for it.

The mayor has since apologized for it in a visit to Bishop Romulo Valles and promising to fine himself P1,000 for every expletive uttered.

Duterte’s outburst against the scant attention or even silence on the part of his rivals gives him the edge in terms of his sincerity to address the problem. (CHITO A. FUENTES)

Undeclared war vs Davao City

by Chito A. Fuentes

In their bid to take the wind out of the sails of the presidential bid of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, his opponents are now firing away at Davao City.

The first was Laguna Cong. Dan Fernandez, he of only 23 bills filed in his three terms in Congress.

911 vehicles line up infront of Davao City Hall in what is the first and only LGU having such an efficient emergency response system in the whole country.

Swearing like a pirate, Fernandez tried to deflate Duterte’s balloon claiming the mayor is overrated.

Making up for the empty bluster, Fernandez boasted that he could do what Duterte accomplished in Davao in half the time.

Fernandez, of course, suddenly disappeared when he was exposed for who he is. 

“He has little to show for three terms in Congress,” Duterte’s media bureau lashed back.

Among Fernandez’ legislative accomplishments were the conversion of six city and municipal roads to national roads and the creation of four barangays.

Next on the line was economist and columnist Solita Monsod who disputed Davao’s growing reputation as the world’s safest city.

Monsod belittled Numbeo.com, the website that recognized Davao’s feat saying the city was not even in the list of the 50 safest cities of the Economic Intelligence Unit. 

Why Davao City should be faulted for Numbeo’s ranking, only Monsod knows. 

The third to take a crack at Duterte was Liberal Party vice-presidential bet Leni Robredo.

Reminiscent of Fernandez’ “I-can-do-that-in-half-the time”, Robredo claimed Naga was able to do what Duterte accomplished in Davao without embracing vigilante-type executions like Duterte.

The sudden outbreak of attacks against Davao is expected to continue, and even escalate, especially after Duterte topped a Pulse Asia survey in the National Capital Region.

It is obvious that the “Tuwid na Daan” and rival political parties have launched an undeclared war against Davao City.

If the attacks are calibrated by media spin doctors hired by rival political campos, Davao can only expect the modest gains it accomplished under Duterte to be disputed, if not discredited.

It could, however, blow up in the face of Duterte’s opponents. The carpet-bombing of a city fiercely proud of its identity would only drive citizens who were erstwhile disinterested to be actively involved in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to send Mindanao’s political rock star to the Palace by the Pasig.

The slow and increasing incidents of Davao-bashing can serve as a call to arms for a people who knew what it was to be caught in the crossfire between government troopers and rebels, and between cops and criminals.

It does not take much to rally behind its most popular mayor on the way to fulfilling his date with destiny.

When that happens, his rivals will have no one else to blame but themselves. (CHITO A. FUENTES)

IN BARING HIS WORST Duterte forcing people to pick their president

by Chito A. Fuentes

This early, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is forcing people to pick their next president - simply by baring his worst.

Duterte was proclaimed presidential candidate of the PDP-Laban by Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III Monday afternoon before a highly partisan crowd of cheering and clapping followers and supporters.

The controversial Davao mayor, however, did not appear the least conscious of the occasion, choosing to expose his worst angle so far.

“If you can love your fellow men, if you love the Filipino people - love enough to serve and to die for you - how can I not love four women in my life?” Duterte, an avowed ladies man, asked.

From elaborating on his womanizing and fondness for sex, to cussing to express his frustrations, Duterte was most lurid in his accounts of his encounters with criminals.

Cursing while detailing his ordeal during the visit of Pope Francis in Manila, Duterte let off another round of expletives that expectedly became a magnet for bashing from his haters and rivals.

“Do not think for a minute that you have a monopoly of evil,” Duterte remarked while addressing criminals, warning that is capable of “ten times more”.

Reminiscent of his first mayoralty campaign in Davao, Duterte made it clear his priorities were fighting crime, criminality and government incompetence.

Duterte had postulated the thesis that peace and order and an efficient government are the foundations to development. Davao’s metamorphosis from a basket case to the country’s fifth-ranked city in terms of income has proven him right.

Davao’s feat from the killing fields of the 80s to the Philippines’ safest urban city along with his advocacies including delivery of basic services has given rise to a new sense of dignity and accountability to Davaoenos as shown by the realignment of political forces solidly behind Duterte in his presidential run.

The Duterte who made life difficult for those prodding him to file before the October 17 deadline was not much different from the Duterte who grudgingly accepted a popular draft to run for president.

“Gusto nya man kaya ako ma-presidente, dapat malaman nyo kung sino ako,” he repeated what he has been saying since the start.

His critics have played into his trap, harping at his perceived disrespect for propriety and refinement.

The mayor projects the image of being reckless and carefree - and seems to be enjoying it.

“Kung i-dismiss ako nang Comelec, so be it. No problem. Uwi ako bukas,” he says matter-of-factly.

Duterte, who considers himself “left”, recently announced that he will put a stop to labor contractualization, a position that will surely make capitalists take a stand against him.

The mayor’s unorthodoxy is a marketing specialist’s nightmare but he doesn’t care.

Duterte is not about to repackage himself just to win this election.

People scandalized by his pronouncements and his behavior are raising hell about it but do not expect Duterte to mend his ways.

At the age of 70 and complaining of various ailments, Duterte has made it clear he is not interested in the presidency, giving rise to suspicions he is sabotaging his own bid.

Far from it. Duterte is telling the country what kind of presidency they can expect and, while the campaign period is going on, make a stand whether they will still go for him with all his faults, or go back to the comfort zone where his rivals are packed and jammed.

Brilliance? Miriam. Academic credentials? Mar. Experience? Binay. Pleasing personality? Poe.

Alternating between being crude, rough and irreverent to a virtual champion for the less fortunate and the helpless, Duterte has made sure this will be an unforgettable a political campaign.   

“If God wants me to be there, I will be there,” he replied when asked whether he believes it is God’s will for him to run for president during his proclamation.

Call it bravado, call it bluster, call it a gamble, or faith, if you will, but that is the Duterte to expect in the approaching campaign - and the presidency if he makes it. (CHITO A. FUENTES) 

Rock star with one song - Change is coming!

by Chito A. Fuentes 

“Graft has to stop!”, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte told a highly-partisan crowd in Taguig Sunday evening at the concert MAD for Change: Tunog ng Pagbabago.

The rock start sings a hopeful tune - Change is coming!

Duterte decried the sickening bureaucracy that has bred a web of corruption in government which in turn is one major reason why the country is lagging behind its neighbors in terms of development.

“Dito sa gobyerno…ano ka dito 48 signatures,” he gave as example to prove his point.

With 48 signatures, he said the investor will have to fork over a significant amount particularly those involving economic enterprises and industries.

He said that there transactions where investors shell out P300,000 to P500,000 or even P2 million to P3 million for the needed document.

The mayor also cited as example the processing of land clearances where there are so many signatures and payments before the title is releases.

“I don’t care how you do it but I will just give you 72 hours,” Duterte said, citing his policy in Davao.

After 72 hours, employees are no longer allowed to release the document which has to be forwarded to his office with an explanation on why it took more than three days to finish. 

The 2016 most-awaited presidential candidate who beat the deadline set for substitutions did not disappoint a loyal fan based that waited near midnight for his appearance.

At its peak, the crowd estimate at the Taguig concert held at McKinley Hill was placed at more than 30,000.

The bailiwick of his running mate, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, was entertained by volunteer musicians including Jimmy Bondoc, Paolo Santos, Luke Mejares and Thor who sang “Takbo” which was released in a last-ditch effort to prod Duterte to file before the deadline last Oct. 17.

Also present were Davao-based musicians who compose the Musicians and Artists for Duterte (MAD) for Change several months back including Popong Landero and Jimmy Cabrera and folk icon Lolita Carbon.

Professional basketball players Marc Pingris, Sonny Thoss, Jay-R Reyes, Cyrus Baguio, Mac Baracael, Willy Miller, Jun Cabato and Jobe Nkemacolam also appeared on stage and threw away free balls.

The early birds arrived at the venue before the scheduled 4 pm and had considerably thinned when Duterte arrived at 10:50 pm.

True to his rock-star reputation, escorts had a difficult time containing admirers who wanted to have selfies with the controversial mayor.

While the Duterte-Cayetano team-up was the last to be finalized, it got off to an auspicious start in Taguig.

Unlike other candidates, the performers were all volunteers who are individually rooting for Duterte.

There were also no bus-in crowds just to project perception of a bandwagon.

Duterte has little need for that at this time, surprising surging on top of the heap in the National Capital Region where he was portrayed as very weak unlike his bailiwicks in Mindanao and two regions in the Visayas.

There were no noticeable changes in Duterte’s speech, giving indications he has no intention of softening his image now that he has formalized his candidacy. 

In what is expected as the most unorthodox campaign, Duterte has sent jaded analysts shaking their heads and fanatical supporters shouting themselves hoarse in glee.

With this phenomenal surge despite comping in late in the campaign and without the fabled political organization that others build up at least a year before election, Duterte can expect frightened rivals to fire at will.

Duterte, however, wants to keep everyone guessing, promising a campaign that will rewrite Philippine presidential elections. (CHITO A. FUENTES)

‘UNDER HIS PRESIDENCY’ Corruption has got to stop - Duterte

by Chito A. Fuentes

ALABEL, Sarangani - A few hours after his lawyer filed his certificate of candidacy for president in Intramuros, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte dropped hints on what to expect if he wins the election.

“Ug akoy ma-presidente, corruption has to stop,” Duterte remarked near the end of his 41-minute talk.

The mayor was optimistic about his chances, noting that he has experience in fighting corruption.

“Once upon a time, I was one of only two Tanodbayans investigators in Mindanao,” he disclosed.

Former Mayor Inday Sara Duterte shows her COC as substitute to his father, who withdrew his COC for reelection as Mayor and files as substitute for President at the Comelec in Manila.

This little-known detail of Duterte’s service record happened before the establishment of the Ombudsman.   

“Criminality has to go,” the mayor emphatically declared, drawing applause from the audience packed inside the 2,500-capacity gym.

Duterte earned a reputation for cleaning up Davao which was a virtual killing fields prior to his assumption.

The mayor, who has come under fire from human rights advocates, made it clear he won’t change his ways.

“Di man ko mahadlok ug human rights,” he added.

Duterte asserted it is time to instill fear in the law.

Among the current crop of presidential candidates, it is only Duterte who has repeatedly warned of the upsurge of criminality.

“We have lost a generation sa drugs,” he pointed out.

Duterte recalled instances when he dealt harshly with criminals and drug lords.

“Hardliner ko, cruel ko sa criminal,” he warned. 

The mayor has consistently warned shady personalities that if they do drugs in Davao, he would kill them.

“I don’t know what would be my policy, pero pareho siguro. I will use the military and the police,” he hinted.

Duterte walked into a highly-partisan crowd which erupted into wild applause and deafening shouts at the venue to speak on the occasion of Sarangani’s 23rd foundation day.

The noise rose decibels higher when Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that Duterte was the newest presidential candidate in next year’s election.

Marcos spoke ahead of Duterte and was already entertaining questions when the mayor arrived. Duterte caught up with the symposium arriving aboard a chopper after presiding over a press conference in Davao.

Earlier that morning, he withdrew his candidacy for mayor, paving the way for the filing of his certificate of candidacy for president in Intramuros by lawyer Salvador Medialdea.

Duterte’s daugher, lawyer Sara Duterte-Carpio, in turn filed her certificate of candidacy to replace him.

The swift execution stunned even his close friends and political lieutenants.

After the initial surprise, however, the formality of his presidential bid triggered frenzied rejoicing among his followers particularly on social media.  

“I can promise you a law-abiding, God-fearing, comfortable community,” he responded to question on what his legacy will be.

With what Duterte brings to the table, there are enough reasons to celebrate. (CHITO A. FUENTES)