Davao City witnessed an extraordinary gathering, a vibrant sea of green, with an estimated 330,000 people celebrating former President and long-time Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s 80th birthday. This massive turnout on March 28, was a rare sight in recent years, and also marked the start of the local election campaign period.
As midday approached last Friday, Claveria and Roxas streets transformed into a bustling hub, filled with supporters donning green shirts. Large LED walls strategically positioned along the route ensured everyone could witness the stage proceedings on Roxas Street. The air buzzed with excitement as vendors set up stalls, anticipating a surge in business. Throughout the day, the impassioned chant “Bring him home” reverberated, a continuous call for Duterte’s release from detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, which reached its peak during the evening’s “Rody at 80” program, early evening.
Government officials, led by Mayor Sebastian Duterte, addressed the enthusiastic crowd, expressing gratitude for their participation. Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, former PNP Chief during Duterte’s War on Drugs, received enthusiastic cheers when he reiterated his unwavering stance on the campaign. He defended his actions, stating they were driven by a desire to protect the youth from the perils of a potential narco-state, not by personal enrichment, despite the ICC’s ongoing investigation.
The highlight of the evening was a spectacular drone show that illuminated the night sky with striking images of former President Duterte. This captivating display, a first for Davao City since the ban on pyrotechnics in the early 2000s, evoked powerful emotions from the crowd, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
As Friday was also the start of the local campaign, the event showed Davaoenos overwhelming support for the former President even if he is in detention in The Hague. Though there was no mention of a political campaign or the specific platform of the Hugpong political party, the support from the crowd was enough to assume that despite his absence, he is assured of winning in the polls.
Davao City’s upcoming local elections have ignited unprecedented interest, marking a potential turning point in the city’s political narrative. After almost four decades of dominant influence under the Duterte family, a new wave of prominent political opponents has emerged, offering an alternative and promising a refreshing shift in governance. We have not yet seen the platform of the fpolitical opponent, but this early, we expect they will present platforms that will offer another perspective on how the city will be led should they win in the polls.
The emergence of these contenders, without doubt, will signal a diversification of political discourse within Davao City. Their presence has injected a renewed sense of competition and engagement into the electoral process, prompting vigorous debates and discussions among the city’s residents.
For many Davaoeños, this election represents an opportunity to reassess the city’s direction and explore alternative leadership styles. The long-standing political dominance, while ensuring stability, has also fostered a desire for fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to address contemporary challenges. Again, we are not yet aware of the platform of the contenders as of now.
We look forward to a more vibrant campaign and community engagement by the political candidates as they reach out to voters and present their vision for the city’s development. We also expect media and social platforms to be rife with discussions that create heightened interest in choosing the people who will govern the city.
All that matters is that the political candidates have the public’s interest at the core of their desire to govern this dynamic city.
In the meantime, echoes of last Friday’s event still ring in our ears.
