Digong backers call out Rama

Core supporters in the Visayas of former President Rodrigo Duterte slammed local politicians who are taking advantage of the current clamor to gain political leverage, naming former Mayor Michael Rama as an example.

- Iris Hazel Mascardo, Staff Member

Yesterday, the Visayas core supporters of the former president held a press conference to air their grievances, which, according to them, stemmed from a movement calling to "bring Duterte home."

While there were multiple movements organized by politicians and local leaders, some gatherings did not sit well with Duterte's core supporters.

Edward Mendres, former Provincial president of PDP Laban in Cebu in 2016, introduced their team as the core members of the Duterte supporters in the Visayas.

Mendres stressed that before the “politicians” took over the leadership roles, their group had been behind the Visayas movement that contributed to Duterte's national victory.

He said he also served as the Regional Coordinator for the UniTeam in 2022. The UniTeam electoral alliance was formed to support the candidacies of now-President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and now-Vice President Sara Duterte in the 2022 elections. However, he emphasized that he took the post to support the female Duterte.

During the press conference, Mendres was also joined by the founder of the Duterte Riders Team Philippines, Moises Garcia Deiparine, who is among the brains behind the recent series of caravans.

With this history, Mendres pleaded with politicians to prevent the current clamor and uproar of support from being associated with their own political desires.

“Gusto unta nila nga ipaabot nga ang kalihokan sa panahon karon, ang kawsa ni Presidente Duterte, dili unta gamiton sa pamolitika,” said Mendres.

According to him, they understand that there was an outcry among the people to support Duterte, which was even joined by other political party alliances. He added that this showed the “authenticity” of their stance.

However, he said they draw the line at politicians who take the podium to present their own interests, which appears to be campaigning.