By Manny Piñol
The symbolic turning over of a basket of P1 coins to Davao City Rody Duterte by youth leaders in Cotabato City on Monday appears to have breached the floodgates of pent up mass support for the unwilling presidential prospect who says he does not have the money to run for the highest post and does not want to receive funds from interest groups.
Shortly after the Philippine Daily Inquirer story on the launching of the “Piso Para sa Presidente” was posted on http://xn--mannypiol-r6a.com/ on Facebook, pledges of support came from all walks of life – from an ordinary laborer who posted in Tagalog to US-based Filipinos and workers overseas.
The report which was posted by the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Mindanao Bureau said “Duterte was preparing to leave the stage after speaking about “federalism” before hundreds of local leaders and residents of Cotabato on Wednesday when lawyer Ranibai Dilangalen took the microphone and asked the mayor to stay for a while.
“Dilangalen, a member of the Duterte for President Movement-Cotabato City and Maguindanao chapter, then announced: “Mayor President, we will officially start today our small effort to help you and the country. We will launch the ‘Piso para sa Presidente’ (Peso for President).”
“Then, Mohamad Ali Datumanguda, another member of the group, presented Duterte a small handwoven basket filled with P1 coins.
“For a moment, Duterte froze, his face red and tears welling in his eyes.
“After staring at the crowd, he approached the podium and said: “I don’t know what to say. I am really, really surprised. Thank you for having me here. The presidency is not in my plans, but if I become President, I assure you, one of your feet is in Malacañang.”
Edgar J. Ladringan of Quezon City commentned: “Send the basket here in Quezon City…I will contribute. For decades, our aspiring presidents have been backed up by funds coming from companies, big businesses, foreign countries, some criminals and fellow politicians. And when if he/she wins, the favor is given back to those companies, criminals and politicians who helped in the campaign in which most of those favors are harmful to the people . Its time that the common people financially help in instating a president. At least if he needs to return a favor…it will be to the common people. I have never voted before because i always thought all politicians were corrupt and cannot help me or this country….this might be the first time that i will. And the main reason i will vote Duterte is SECURITY. Crime is a daily occurrence in my neighborhood. And if it means killing every rapist, murderer and drug pusher in my area in order for me and my loved ones to be able to walk safely around our neighborhood/city, then so be it…you got my vote Mayor Duterte.
Ron Sales said: “Thats a very good investment guid… Pag manalo si Mayor doble doble ang return ana sa atua kay mo nindot ang pinas tapos more work gyud. Mawala ang mga kurakot.” (That’s really a good investment. If Mayor wins, the return will be double because the Philippines will be better and there will be more job opportunities and the corrupt will disappear.)
John Valenzuela said: “Ako isang buwan ko na sahod i donate ko para sa pag takbo ni duterte baliktarin na naman natin tayo mag bigay na mahihirap para manalo si mayor dutete naniniwala ako na maging mabuti ang pilipinas.” (I will donate my one month pay for Duterte’s candidacy. Let’s reverse the system. We the poor should contribute so that Duterte would win. I believe the Philippines will be better.)
George Gaviola from Brisbane, Australia wrote: “Magdodonate din po ako at hihingi ng tulong sa mga relatives dito sa Brisbane.” (I will also donate and ask help from my relatives here in Brisbane.)
Chris Paciones Reamillo presented a novel idea: “I will remodel a closed-metal clad bus which only has an opening at the top, a receiving end for coins thrown aboard..the bus will travel from Aparri to Jolo… we will help you find resources Pres. RODY DUTERTE..whatever it takes!”
Mark Jay Quezon said: “Go for president send da bayung to Coldillera.”
Eljen Pellejo Villar in Hongkong said: “Pls give contacts where we can share our support.Duterte for president!!”
Roger Morandarte Sarsaba wrote: “Send the bayong to Chicago.”
Dwight Villejo said: “It can be done!! God bless pres. Duterte god bless our nation!! Change is coming!! This only shows that people want change!! Traditional politics NO MORE!!”
Efren Soliman said: “I will contribute with all my heart. Iam from Manila Mr. Duterte.. I will campaign for you.”
Raygiel Dotillos vowed: ” I’ll give my free time voluntarily to campaign for his presidency…
Daniel Baquerfo said: “Tnx GOD mgkkaisa nwa muslim at christiano bilang isang mamayang pilipino.sama ako dyan sn mpdala?” (Thank God I hope the Muslims and Christians will unite as one nation. I am with you. Where can I send?
Evangeline Magnifico asked: “Ofw po ako paano ko po maipaabot contribution ko? Meron po bang Bank acct.na pwede ko edeposit yong money? I will contribute 3K po…Thanks.”
Larry O Permalino said: “Pakidala po dito sa makati yang bayong na yan at isa po ako sa maraming kababayan at kasamahan ko ang nakahandang magbigay..ok po yan at least la pong utang na loob sa mga pulitiko at negosyante…tayo po talaga ang boss..duterte po tayo.. (Please bring the bag to Makati. I am one of the many who will support. This idea is ok. At least Duterte won’t owe politicians and businessmen any debt of gratitude. Let’s go Duterte.)
Roderick S. Bautista wrote: “I’m from batangas how can i help po??? May mga coordinator na po ba kayo para sa mga probinsya? More power mayor duterte!!! Count my 1peso in!!!!”
Epifanio Jr Perpetua promised: “Piso na boto pa.’Yan ang pangako ko sa iyo.” (My peso and my vote. That’s my commitment to you.)
Marcelo Lucio said: “Kahilak man pud ta ani ui,Sir #mannypiñol 1 thousand akoa so 2 thousand akoa dala sa ako asawa.” (I could cry. P1,000 from me and another P1,000 from my wife. That’s P2,000.)
Perhaps, the most meaningful message came from Lydia Ramada, who said:
“Mabuti na yong wlang utang na loob na tatanawin c mayor duterte sa anong political party para makakilos cya independently, panahon na ang mga tao talaga ang gagawa ng sarili nating Presidente kasi tayo ang kanyang pagsisilbihan , sana lahat tayo mag cooperate please share.” (It is better that Mayor Duterte won’t owe any political party a debt of gratitude. He could move freely. It is now time for the people to make their own President who will serve the people. I hope all of us will cooperate. Please share.)
In California next week, the US State with the biggest concentration of Filipinos, prominent Filipino-American personalities will gather to launch a program similar to “Piso Para sa Presidente” and they will call their campaign “A Dollar for Duterte.”
The Fil-Ams are not new to this mass-based efforts in supporting a political candidate having been involved in the first campaign of America’s first African-American President Barrack Obama who was also supported by a network of volunteer supporters.
The efforts of ordinary people to raise funds for Duterte could yet prompt the Davao City Mayor, known for his tough but incorruptible leadership which has turned his city from a virtual killing fields of communist assassins in the 1980s to one of the Safest to Live In in the World today, to accept the call to run for President.
Duterte, who has consistently rejected calls for him to consider the Presidency, has always said that he does not have the money to wage a national campaign and he does not like to go around asking for contributions from big business to bankroll his political activities.
The Philippines may yet see a real “People’s President.”
(Photo caption: Mayor Duterte blends with a crowd of ordinary people in Sibalom, Antique.)
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