‘DUTERTE IS THE COUNTRY’S BEST CHANCE FOR CHANGE’

By Chito A. Fuentes

PASAY CITY – Mayor Rodrigo Duterte remains the “best chance for change” in the Philippines.

This was the highlight statement issued by former North Cotabato Gov. Emmanuel Piñol before members and guests of the Israeli Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ICCP) Monday evening.

“In spite of his human frailties, in spite of his shortcomings, he is an imperfect person – but so are we – he is still our best chance for change in this country,” Piñol stressed.

Piñol represented Duterte, the invited guest, who had to rush home to Davao for an undisclosed family matter.

The former governor, also a former journalist and sports commentator, confessed that he intended to attend the event “as a spectator, not a presentor”.

Piñol pointed out that among the potential presidential candidates, only Duterte understand the real needs of the farmers.

He noted that none among the presidentiables has accepted the fact the Philippines is a country of 7,100 islands and the problem is how to ship agricultural products to the capital.

“It is more expensive to bring agricultural products from Davao to Manila than from Davao to Singapore,” he noted.

Duterte has also questioned the government’s lack of support to farmers considering their role in the country’s development.

“Why do our farmers pay for the water that they use?” Piñol quoted Duterte echoing the sentiments of the tillers of the soil.

Piñol said Duterte intends to push for a program that would make food “available and affordable”.

A farmer until this time, Piñol echoed the observations of Israeli officials that government has taken for granted many blessings including soil fertility, good weather and the industry of the Filipino farmer.

Duterte has been saying that while Mindanao contributes 64% to the export earnings of the country, it receives a pittance in return.

In his passionate advocacy for a shift to federal movement, Duterte unwittingly captured the imagination of more and more Filipinos who see him as the country’s best card particularly in the war against illegal drugs and crime.

Piñol confessed that as early as two years ago, he pushed for “this crazy idea” to include Duterte’s name in the list of probable presidential bets for 2016.

Duterte’s listening tour, prompted by the possibility of violence in Mindanao if the Bangsamoro Basic Law is not passed, exposed him to the national audience which triggered the clamor for him to run.

In the last Pulse Asia survey, Duterte placed a strong third behind Sen. Grace Poe and Vice President Jejomar Binay, both of whom have waged national campaigns.

Duterte, who has restricted himself to Davao until lately, was ahead of Secretary Mar Roxas, the Liberal Party bet who has been eyeing the presidency even before the 2010 polls where he lost to Binay.

The mayor’s attendance before the ICCP would have been the latest is a series of speaking engagements before big business groups and foreign dignitaries who want to see for himself the man who transformed his city from the murder capital of the 80s to the safest city in the country.

The event, a part of the series dubbed “Marriage of Cultures”, was held at the Marriot Hotel in Pasay City and hosted by ICCP President Eyal Ben Ari.

Israeli Ambassador Ephraim Ben Matityau noted the opportunities for exchange between the Philippines and Israel particularly in the fields of agriculture and tourism.

Piñol acknowledged that Duterte continues to resist the call for him to run saying that he is “old, does not have money and that his family does not approve of the plan to run for the Presidency.”

The former North Cotabato Governor, however, said he has told Duterte that Moses was over 80 when he led the Jews into the Promised Land.

He maintained that Duterte, the undisputed political star of the Land of Promise, who will be 71 next year, is the best person to lead the Philippines next year.

(Note: This item was written by Chito A. Fuentes, a close-in-writer for Mayor Rody Duterte who covered the Israeli Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines event in the Marriot Hotel in Pasay City Monday night. I represented Mayor Duterte who had to skip the event because of an important concern back in Davao City. Photo shows Israel Ambassador Ben Ari Matityau, ICCP President Eyal Ben Ari and other guests. Photo by Romirose Padin)