The tough guy cries KIDS WITH CANCER MOVE RODY DUTERTE TO TEARS

By Manny Pinol

He was called “The Punisher” by an international magazine, a “Dirty Harry” in a different mold whose tough and controversial methods of enforcing the law made his city the 4th Safest in the World.

His image projection is that of a motorcycle-riding, taxi-driving, cussing and pistol packing City Mayor.

But behind the tough guy image, Davao City Mayor Rody Duterte is an emotional person who has a very soft heart for the poor and those who are suffering.

Two days ago, during a Christmas Party for children suffering from cancer, Duterte was so moved by the Christmas song rendered by the ailing kids that he turned his back and cried.

Wiping his tears, he faced the crowd again and showed the tough look once more.

“I pity them. Some of them have no arms, no legs. I have a little money and I promised I will help them all the way,’ Duterte later said in an interview.

Duterte has become a legend not only in Davao City but elsewhere in the Island of Mindanao because of his help for people who come to the city for medical treatment, even those coming from places outside of his territory.

Using his vast financial resources and supported by Senators who are friendly to him, Duterte set up the Lingap Para sa Mahirap, a program which provides medical assistance for indigent patients.

Several times in the past, when I was already out of government, I also referred patients from North Cotabato and all of them reported back to me that all of their hospital bills were shouldered by Duterte.

This is the Duterte character which many people are not aware of.

This is the Duterte which people of Davao City and the neighboring areas respect and love.