Duterte, Cayetano to launch campaign in Tondo

MANILA, Philippines - Presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and his runningmate Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano will launch their campaign in Tondo, Manila on Tuesday.

Duterte’s campaign spokesman Peter Laviña said they decided to make the launch in Tondo in order to sympathize with residents of the Visayas and Mindanao, who flocked to Manila in search for greener pastures.

Laviña said the symbolism shows Duterte’s mission in coming to Manila from the Visayas and Mindanao, which is to try his luck to become president of the country.

The launch will be held at the intersection of Morga and Zamora streets from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Laviña said Rep. Amado Bagatsing, who recently endorsed Duterte, and his group are expected to attend the event.

Bagatsing, Manila mayoral bet of the Duterte-Cayetano team, said the Tondo launch would stress the need to rescue Filipinos from poverty, criminality and inequality.

“Tondo is the birthplace of Gat Andres Bonifacio, whose bravery in starting the Philippine Revolution against the Spaniards has had no equal,” he said.

Laviña described as impossible the rumors that Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada would endorse Duterte’s bid, noting he is supporting another presidential candidate.

“He and Duterte do not belong to the same party.”

Laviña said some “very important persons” would attend the launch, but refused to identify them. – With Jess Diaz, Mike Frialde