Ex-president Duterte: Marcos a good man

Former president Rodrigo Duterte had mostly kind words for President Bongbong Marcos during his message at the prayer rally against the People’s Initiative last Sunday at the Plaza Sugbu, Cebu.

Compared to the prayer rally in Davao a few weeks ago where Duterte lambasted Marcos, even calling the latter a drug addict, this time Duterte praised PBBM for being a good man.

“Si Bongbong maayong tawo. Wala koy problema kang President. Tinuod lang suportado nako kay buotan og ikumparar sa ako. He is very dignified, respectful, humble basin kaniadto pa dili pa na presidente, mapagkumbaba,” said the former Chief Executive.

The prayer rally in Cebu was organized to echo the rally in Davao last month also attended by the Dutertes to oppose the People's Initiative movement or the proposed amendments to the Constitution.

But Duterte said in his speech last Sunday that he is not against Charter Change provided that the current sitting President and those who will win the upcoming election should not benefit from it.

“Okay ko basta dili mopabor sa galingkod karon ug sa sunod nga election. Ayaw pag usaba ang Constitution para mopabar kanimo ug kanahlng molingkuray nganha og mangita pa og laing termino,” Duterte said adding, “Kumportable na sa unom ka tuig. One term let us stick to that.”

“I would support any changes in the Constitution that would enhance, improve or whatever would make the Filipinos happy. I am for it walay problema basta wala lang mosulod nga vested interest nila,” Duterte further explained.

He said that Marcos should be comfortable and be content with where he is now and should step down on the last day of his presidency just like what he did when his term ended in 2022.

“Mr. President, you were elected under a Constitution for one term of six years. Be happy with that. Malipay ka na lang naa ka nganha. Pasalamat ka na lang sa Ginoo gitagaan ka og grasya nga makasilbi ka sa imong yutang natawhan sama sa imong amahan oero ayaw sunda ang iyang gihimo kay mapandol gyud ta diha,” Duterte said, addressing the current President.

Duterte, as early as now, also asked the public for support for his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte.

“Og moabot man ang panahon ug motugot ang Ginoo ang akong anak kinsa man sa ila pero tan-aw nako si Inday og naa siyay ambisyon og unsang position nga national suportahi lang ninyo. Basin baya Bisaya man gihapon na, kaliwat gihapon og Cebu,” the former President said.

Atty. Irene Caballes, lead convenor of Cebu Coalition for Transparency, Accountability, Peace and Security in the country, said that around 30,000 joined the said rally, which is a big success despite experiencing scattered rain showers.

When former President Duterte spoke at the rally past 10pm, he told the people to go home since he knew some were already there early in the afternoon.

But the people chanted his name louder, with some telling The Freeman in an interview that they were only there to see the former president.

“Ni-ari lang mi kay naa man si President Digong. Dugay na sad mi wala kakita niya. Malingaw mi sa iyang speech. Sagdi lang og uwan moundang ra na,” said a supporter.

Some supporters also appreciated that popular television host Willie Revillame was present and hoped they would win prizes. “Swerte og mapili-an mi ni Willie pero niari gyud mi tungod ni Tatay Digong,” said a supporter. -