- FPRRD’s namesake files COC for first district councilor
THE NAMESAKE of former President Rodrigo Duterte and a third-generation member of the family threw his hat into the ring by seeking a legislative seat in Sangguniang Panlungsod for the 2025 mid-term elections.
Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte, son of Rep. Paolo Duterte, filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for councilor in the city’s first district on Wednesday, Oct. 2, the second day of filing at the Comelec office in Magsaysay Park.
He was accompanied by his wife Yssa, father, and brother, Buhangin barangay chairman Omar Duterte.
When asked about his motivation for joining the local political scene, he said it was the family’s decision.
Rigo is running under the umbrella of the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, Duterte’s political party.
The first-time candidate intends to follow his father’s advice to focus on the healthcare and medical assistance of Davaoeños. He also wants to continue the programs that he took part in while working under his father.
Rigo has been representing his father in activities initiated by the Office of the First District Representative.
“Dapat maatiman niya kadtong iyang generation karon para security sa umaabot nga anak ug apo (He should be attentive to the needs of his generation to secure the future children and grandchildren),” Pulong said.
He added he would serve as an adviser to his son.
As of writing, Rigo is the second to register his name for first district councilor after Markoper P. Javier (IND) filed his COC on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Meanwhile, first-timer candidate Ramil Fernando Brucal filed his candidacy as councilor in the city’s third district.
If he wins, Rigo will join a long list of Dutertes who entered politics, including Governor Vicente Duterte of the former undivided Davao Province, former councilor Benjamin Duterte, former President Rodrigo Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte, Mayor Sebastian Duterte, and Buhangin barangay chair Omar Duterte.
Photo by Bing Gonzales
